Notes from the Vineyard - February 2026

February has continued much as January left off, with plenty more rain passing through the valley. In places the ground has become very muddy indeed, though the generally mild temperatures are beginning to encourage the first signs that spring is not too far away. Across the orchard and hedgerows, snowdrops, daffodils and primroses have already begun to appear, a welcome sight after such a wet winter.

The geese have also started laying their first eggs of the season, always a reliable sign that the year is beginning to turn. Meanwhile, a pair of wild teal ducks have returned to the valley ponds, and we’re hopeful we might once again see ducklings later in the spring.

In the vineyard, the earliest Solaris vines are beginning to show signs of bud burst, while the final stages of winter work have now been completed. Pruning is finished and the recyclable vine guards that protected the young vines have been removed and sent for recycling.

After the quiet work of winter, the vineyard and orchard are beginning to stir again. With a little luck from the weather, the growing season will soon be underway.

From all of us at Saints Way Wines