The  grapes are all gone, carefully and skillfully being transformed into great wines. So the growers and vineyard managers are all kicking back with nothing to do - right? WRONG! This is a very important and busy time in the vineyard to prepare the vines for winter and next year's growth. While the specific activities may vary from grower to grower depending on their specific site, varietal(s) planted, and farming philosophy, there are many tasks common to vineyards throughout the Gap. The first is pulling out dead or struggling vines to make room for replants in the spring. A new vine can take from three to five years to produce its first crop, so replanting decisions are not made lightly! Fertilization is also a common activity after harvest and prior to the winter rains, but the method and type of fertilizer used varies widely. Even though they may not be "certified" organic, many growers in the Gap prefer to use an organic approach to fertilization in the vineyard. Compost, containing micronutrients, is commonly used, as is fish emulsion and other environmentally friendly fertilizers and amendments. "Fertigation" - applying water-soluble fertilizers though the vineyard's drip irrigation system - is used by some growers to deliver nutrients directly to each plant. Finally, some growers will do a light discing or tilling between the vine rows to sow a specific cover crop for the winter. This practice is not used in every vineyard, as many growers prefer to allow native grasses and plants to establish with the idea that the resulting biodiversity will support a healthy balance in the vineyard. In any event, there's been a lot to do in the vineyard after the harvest!