Summer Update
The grapes and vineyard look absolutely splendid! The past winter’s rains have created a healthy abundance of fruit. Our careful prunings over the winter and into early spring have paid dividends…handsome, upright and sturdy shoots.
I have chosen to early prune — that is, to thin the leaf cover in front of the fruit but to leave a full canopy to overhang the exposed clusters.
The first two photos show a before and after. They are of the same vine. You can see the leaves pulled to expose to the sun and the canopy trimmed to create shade between 1-3 o’clock in the afternoon. Look at the third photo and you will see what has been removed, including dropped fruit. This trimming, removing of unwanted fruit and creation of a canopy takes about 2 1/2 to 3 hours per row. Thirty-four rows, 1,317 plants!
We will harvest no more than 4-5 pounds per vine, or about 6-8 clusters. Each plant now holds an average of 12-18 clusters. We will drop more fruit after the clusters turn purple, culling those clusters which have not ripened well or unevenly. This “green drop” will occur in about a month. In late August/early September we will drop the “worst of the best” to get us to our 4-5 pounds per vine yield.
(Technical Aside) We plant approximately 1,000 vines per acre. 4-5 pounds per vine translates to 2-21/2 tons per acre. Very low yield, very intense flavors.
I will “trim” the vines each week and modify the watering program depending on berry growth and temperature. This week will be the hottest so far this year. We have had unseasonably cool temperatures this spring and early summer. But this weekend, and early next week, we will see 100-107!! Remember, we cool down at night to 55. A 50+ degree swing. The grapes love it!
I’ll send out more updates as we work our way toward harvest. Please send me any questions or requests you have.
Now some business matters. Two things:
Firstly, PLEASE sign in on our website with your mailing address (snail mail) and telephone number. This is the only way you can become a member of our wine club. ONLY WINE CLUB MEMBERS will be able to purchase our wines. There is no obligation to buy but you must be a member.
Secondly, many of you commented on the story about how “George’s Blend” came to be. The saga continues.
I am delighted to tell you that both his beautiful daughters will be married this summer, to men George would be proud of. Our “library” of “George’s Blend” is getting low but you can bet we will toast his children’s future with the wine he inspired and helped to make…”salute la famiglia.”
Take care,
Anita and Joseph
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