New Year Cuttings & Shoots

Did you know that Chrysalis Vineyards has the largest planting of Norton in the entire world? Out of the 70 acres of grapes that Chrysalis grows, 40 of those acres are solely dedicated to Norton (the Real American Grape!®). You may wonder where most of those Norton vines came from and the answer is obvious, Chrysalis Vineyards of course!

Amid all the pruning, Freddy and a few crew members will soon begin taking cuttings and replanting them in our own greenhouse. As the crew is pruning, they will be looking for shoots that are no more than a pencil thick to make new cuttings. Once selected, the shoots are cut at both ends and then placed in nutrient enriched soil. After a few weeks, the cuttings will begin to sprout new roots. They are then carefully maintained with the help of daily watering and extra warmth.

In the Spring, these vines are planted in our nursery vineyard, where they will start to mature while they wait to be planted for production. A grow tube is placed around the baby vine to protect it against damage. It takes roughly 3 years for a vine to produce enough quality fruit to make wine, and at least 4 years to reach full maturity. Norton is a truly amazing vine that has a long and mysterious history here in Virginia. Chrysalis Vineyards proudly grows Virginia’s native grape and we hope to share it with the world. Look for your own Norton vine at the Tasting Room this Summer!