BY VINCE VIDRINE

July might be the most glorious time of year for a grape grower, when mid-summer arrives and the vine canopies grow full and lush with a palpable joy and pride.

BY VINCE VIDRINE

Bloom in the vineyard is one of the most important phenological milestones for every winegrower. Once the tiny white flowers explode from their little buds, you can pretty much set your timer for when you’re going to pick the grapes those flowers evolve into.

BY VINCE VIDRINE

We have finally reached bud break! Sort of… The earlier blocks of Viognier and Syrah broke bud in earnest early last week, followed by the warmer blocks of Grenache later in the week. However, with the cooler temperatures and rain that rolled in, the progression of the season has virtually come to a standstill.

FROM MINI BYERS AND VINCE VIDRINE

Even with the warmth over the past week, budbreak doesn’t feel quite imminent. The buds are a bit larger, a little softer, but still holding. Not quite ready to push. That said, with this stretch of beautiful weather continuing, it feels close. The season will be here before we know it.