A key step after veraison

After veraison, as the grapes begin to change color and accumulate sugar, the vineyard enters a phase that is as beautiful as it is delicate. The clusters become more visible, more aromatic… and much more inviting to birds.
At Vignoble Montvinéa, installing bird netting is an integral part of our summer vineyard maintenance. It is a simple, effective, and natural method to protect the grapes until harvest.

Why Install Netting After Veraison?

Veraison marks a turning point:

  • the grapes change color
  • their sugar content increases
  • aromas begin to develop

At this stage, birds can easily spot the clusters, especially:

  • red grape varieties, which are highly visible
  • but also white grape varieties, whose sweetness is just as enticing

This is why we prioritize netting on our red varieties first, followed by our whites, to safeguard the entire harvest.

Targeted Protection, Mindful of the Vineyard

The goal of netting is not to encase the vine, but to protect what truly matters: the grapes.
Contrary to what you might think, it is not necessary to cover the entire vine or the upper canopy.

We intentionally focus our protection right where the grapes hang.

This approach preserves:

  • air circulation
  • sunlight exposure
  • and the natural balance of the vine

How the Netting is Installed, Row by Row

Installing the netting is precise and methodical work, carried out row by row.

In practice:

  • two long nets are unfurled, one on each side of the row
  • the nets are positioned at the cluster level, along the leaves
  • they are then brought together and fastened, creating an effective barrier

This technique forms a protective sleeve around the fruiting zone, preventing birds from reaching the grapes while allowing the vines to breathe.

A Natural and Essential Practice

Installing netting is one of the quiet but essential tasks in the vineyard. It perfectly illustrates Montvinéa’s philosophy: intervening with precision, at the right time, and always with respect for the vines and nature.

After veraison, the grapes enter the final stretch. The nets watch over them until harvest day.

Protecting the grapes means protecting the vintage.

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