The vines have entered the phase known as “the spring growth flush”. The name derives from the fact that the vines are still using energy reserves from the roots and trunk while also obtaining energy from the new leaves. You can almost watch the shoots grow they are extending so quickly! In addition to multiple energy sources, the days are at their longest in the northern hemisphere. Day and night temperatures are rising with overnight low temperatures in the 60’s and even 70’s.

As the shoots grow the flower clusters have developed and are now blooming. Bloom is a really exciting and important time in the development of the vintage. Warm, dry conditions lead to good fruit set and a good crop; cool, wet conditions can lead to poor fruit set and a small crop. So far conditions have been perfect for fruit set / pollination of flowers.

The weather conditions over the next 4 weeks will determine berry size: dry weather leads to small berries; wet weather leads to large berries. We prefer small berries as they have a higher skin to juice ratio and make a more concentrated wine. The great vintages of Europe have come in dry years where just enough rain falls to keep the vines photosynthetically active. Drier conditions reduce disease pressure, weed growth and vine growth leading to naturally open canopies, another part of the “recipe” for a great vintage.

Weather conditions during ripening determine the final quality of the vintage but conditions all season long contribute to the final result. So stay tuned as the season progresses and keep your eye on the weather. Every weather event impacts the vines one way or another and helps to create the unique conditions that will make this vintage one-of-a-kind!