double pruning, a time-consuming viticultural technique in which the vines are pruned twice, which alters the timing of vine development (see phenology). Double pruning may be carried out for one of two reasons: to delay budbreak and hence reduce frost hazard in cool climates; or to delay harvest and hence potentially increase wine quality in hot regions.
Since early winter pruning encourages earlier budbreak, frost injury risks are increased. Pruning lightly in the beginning of the winter delays budbreak of basal buds; a second or double pruning can be done after the danger of frost is passed.
