Budburst at Pooley Wines

Budburst has arrived in the vineyards, marking one of the most exciting — and slightly nerve-wracking — moments in the growing season. As the vines awaken from winter dormancy, tiny green shoots begin to emerge, setting the foundation for the year’s vintage.

We caught up with Matt Pooley from Pooley Wines, who shared what this critical stage really means on the ground. While budburst signals the start of new life in the vineyard, it also brings heightened risk. These young shoots are incredibly fragile, and one of the biggest threats during this time is frost — a single cold snap can cause significant damage and impact the season ahead.

For growers, this period demands constant attention. Monitoring weather patterns, preparing frost protection strategies, and responding quickly to changing conditions all become part of daily life. It’s a delicate balance between optimism and caution — knowing that the potential for a great vintage begins here, but is far from guaranteed.

Despite the challenges, budburst remains one of the most special times of the year in the vineyard. It’s the first real glimpse of what’s to come — a season full of promise, shaped by nature and guided by experience.