Bud break
Winter is waning, the days are lengthening, the air is warming…and the vines can sense it!
Extended periods of warmth and sunlight that usher in the seasonal change to Spring are waking the vines from their Winter dormancy. Cells begin to multiply using stored up starches within the vine to create the first green growth of the year. This green growth leads to the production of the first leaves of the year and leaves lead to Photosynthesis, the main energy source for the vine. Photosynthesis powers all production within the vine including the eventual production of the grapes. In other words, Photosynthesis is essential for making wine!
In the industry we call this initial green growth bud break, because it starts at the many buds that were left on the vine after winter pruning. For winemakers, it is a moment of panic and a wake up call from our own, personal “winter dormancy.”
But there really is no “off-season” in the wine industry and I was not technically hibernating this winter but it is the realization that the grapes will be here before we know it and a cruel reminder of all the details that need attention before this year’s harvest!
A deep breath calms our nerves with an important yearly epiphany….we still have several months to prepare all that needs to be done….whew!
Posted by Associate Winemaker, Jason Gerard