Walking the vineyards the last few weeks, we’ve started to see the first flick of green against bare, dormant wood. Bud burst is the sign that after a long, quiet winter, our vines are waking up. It's one of our favourite moments of the year, and it’s no coincidence that it’s also the time of year when our wedding and event bookings are at their busiest.
Through winter, our vines rest; then, almost overnight, tiny buds along the wood begin to swell and split open, revealing soft new shoots. It's a small thing to look at, but it signals the start of a whole new growing season that will ultimately result in another vintage of Grounded Cru wine.
The kind of winter we've just had shapes how this all plays out. A proper, cold winter lets the vines rest fully, so when spring arrives, bud burst tends to happen together, strong and even rather than in scattered fits and starts. A mild, mixed-up winter can leave things patchier, with some vines pushing ahead and others taking their time. The one thing we watch a little nervously is a late frost. Those first shoots are soft and tender, and a cold snap at the wrong moment can have an enormous impact on the rest of the growing season.
A steady, even start tends to flow all the way through to harvest. Vines that come out of winter together generally ripen together, which gives us fruit with more consistency and depth rather than a mixed bag of ripe and not-quite-there grapes. And on the years where a harsher winter means a smaller crop, we often find the fruit that does make it through carries even more flavour, concentrated into fewer bunches. It's the same idea behind our old vine blocks: sometimes less really does mean more.
Why Spring Is Wedding Season at Grounded Cru
This is the same time our cellar door starts filling up with couples planning their big day. Warmer afternoons, longer, softer light, and a vineyard turning green again make for a setting that feels truly alive. There's something fitting about celebrating a new beginning of your own, surrounded by vines just starting theirs.
Our cellar door has long been a favourite for couples wanting a winery setting for their wedding or private function; vines, gum trees and the rolling hills of McLaren Vale all included. If you're picturing your celebration here while the vineyard is bursting back to life, spring is a lovely time to do it. Every event is a little different, so the best next step is simply to reach out and start the conversation.
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FAQs
What is bud burst?
It's the moment in spring when the buds on our vines swell and open, revealing the first new shoots after winter. It marks the start of a new growing season.
When does bud burst happen at Grounded Cru?
Generally early-to-mid spring, though the exact timing shifts a little from year to year depending on the season we've had.
Does the winter we've had affect the wine we end up making?
Yes, in a roundabout way. A good, steady winter tends to set the vines up for an even, healthy start, which flows through to more consistent ripening later on, and that shows up as depth and balance in the finished wine.
Why do you keep an eye out for frost after bud burst?
The new shoots are soft and vulnerable in those first few weeks, so an unexpected cold snap can damage them and set the season back.
Can I hold my wedding or event at Grounded Cru during this time of year?
Yes. Spring is one of our most popular seasons to celebrate at Grounded Cru, with the vineyard turning green just as the weather warms up. Reach out via our Contact page to start planning your day among the vines.