Things have changed a little since we started our web site ten years ago. They've changed a lot since we started farming in Amador County over 155 years ago. When a new technology comes out, we field test it, and decide if it's "sustainable" - that it's beneficial for our workers, our vines, the environment, and our bottom line. Angel the Lab walks with René. In 2000, we wrote about pruning & mowing. It took a dozen men to prune our vineyards for weeks. Now, it only takes two or three men. You can see Miguel using the Electrocoup F3005 electronic pruning shears on a Barbera vine. Considerable effort is saved since only a trigger finger is used to perform the cut, and the blades can be set to a smaller aperature for most spur and cane pruning (35mm) and can be opened to 56mm for large cuts. While the right hand prunes, the left hand gathers the sticks which are then laid in the rows to be mowed. Since we are in the midst of a drought, Jim can drive the tractor through immediately, mulching the much needed nutrients back into the soil. Mike follows and paints the "quarter-size cuts" so they stay moist. Another advantage of electric pruning is the conciseness of the cut -- whereas a man's hands might wiggle "old fashioned" loppers and crack the remaining spur, these shears leave a clean cut - mitigating weakness, disease, and other problems. Miguel's Plant René's Plant So, which vine is prettier? You decide! Order - Wine - Library - Art - Framing - Events - Tour - Map/Hours - Grapes - Bulk Wine - Español Charles Spinetta Winery, Spinetta Family Vineyards, Zinetta, and the CSW Logo are registered trademarks of Charles J. Spinetta. Unless otherwise specified, all images and copy contained within the charlesspinettawinery.com domain are Copyright 1984-2012 Charles J. Spinetta. All rights reserved. Charles Spinetta Winery and Wildlife Art Gallery 12557 Steiner Road, Plymouth, California 95669, USA, telephone: (209) 245-3384, facsimile: (209) 245-3386