What's Happening in the Vineyard

Fruit Set 2010

Bloom is complete we now have Fruit Set

BLOOM 2010

Bloom began in our vineyard on June 6th.

Grape plants are self pollinating and bloom (sometimes called flowering) will take place over the next couple of weeks. The result will be many tiny little grape berries.

There is a wonderful fragrance in the vineyard from all the flowering. I am hoping for warm dry weather so that the process will be very consistent.

Bud Break

After having been dormant all winter, bud break occurred on April 19th. Bud break is when the ground temperature rises and the air temperature begins to create heat units, causing the tiny grape buds to 'open' and begin the growth for the new season.

These tender green shoots are very susceptible to frost at this time and if the temperature drops to freezing, the new growth will be damaged and could possibly be lost for the season.

Vineyard Stats

• Soil: Clay loam soil with shale
• Slope: South to west
• Elevation: 1650 feet
• Clones: Syrah UCD-1 . Entave 174, 383, 877, on 101-14 rootstock
• Growing conditions: Hot summer days and cool evenings, high elevation.