This is an exciting time in our Californian vineyards, the 2014 Vintage growing season has begun!
The first tender buds of the growing season emerge from the dormant vine during bud break. Depending on vine variety and vineyard location, bud break can take place over a two month period across California. Small shoots are produced once the vine has accumulated sufficient energy starting from March onward. Leaves tend to appear around 4 weeks later. This is the time when Powdery Mildew can occur which will have to be controlled by an appropriate fungicidal spray when the new shoots get to about 5 inches long. Rogue shoots, called “suckers” may appear.
We are almost a month early from last year. Also, early Spring frosts need to be anticipated and planned for. Rain came at a great time to fill up the vineyard ponds. For frost protection, many wineries spray water over the vines, which is the only way to save their crop each year.
In these pictures of a Chardonnay vine, you can see two leaves already fairly well spread out. As the shoots grow, more leaves, flowers and fruits will appear during the 7 month growing season before harvest.
