Bud break is finally here! This is the exciting time of year when the vineyard comes out of its winter dormancy and becomes green and luscious once again. Beginning in mid to late April, the buds open up and little leaves and shoots begin emerging. This tends to be a very exciting time as it is the very first glimpse of what is to come in the season and for the coming vintage!

Our vines all follow their own schedule depending on the variety. The earliest variety to break bud is Maréchal Foch,which was around April 22 this year. The latest is Brianna, which is just beginning its bud break.

Bud break typically begins after 5 or 6 days in a row in the 70s. However, the earlier the bud break, the greater the frost risk. Nighttime temperatures did drop below 32º this past week, but luckily, the Maréchal Foch was the only variety leafing out at the time. A small bit of damage was done, but because the temps were only below 32º for an hour or two, the vines should be just fine.

The grapes are off to a great start for Vintage 2015!