Spring Brings Bud Break in the Vineyards
Growing Season Off to a Great Start
As Winemaker George Troquato explains, bud break is when vines first show new growth in the spring. This year, a cold winter helped prevent a too-early bud break which would be vulnerable to frosts. Early March is the time for new growth on our Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines, whereas April in more likely for the Cabernet Sauvignon.
There are a few things we do to tend the vines in these early days of the season:
Once the shoots are showing, we spray regularly to prevent mildew in the newly formed buds. At this time it is important to control weeds that grow under the vine rows as well as mow cover crop between rows to keep it manageable. We position the canopy wires (which hold the vine shoots in a vertical plane) so they are ready to support the growing vines throughout the season. Lastly, but not least, we chase out any errant deer that might have snuck into the vineyards during the winter.
Stay tuned for more Timeline-of-the-Vineyard to come…
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