Technical progress is transforming our world—and the world of viticulture as well. Today, a wide range of tools and machines can replace or assist the winegrower in daily tasks. This is also the case at Domaine de Cardon.
When it comes to pruning several hectares of vines in a single week, the task quickly becomes long and physically demanding, both for the body and the mind. For this reason, a few years ago we invested in electric pruning shears, which allow for faster work and are far less stressful on the hands. However, as you might expect, this tool requires daily battery charging after pruning, which inevitably leads to higher electricity consumption. A real dilemma!
Whenever possible, and in order to balance progress, health, and environmental responsibility, we have therefore chosen to use electric shears only for major pruning work. When it comes to “cleaning the canes”—that is, cutting back regrowth on new vine shoots—we still rely on our well-sharpened manual pruning shears.
A small step, but one that brings us ever closer to a better environmental balance.
