One of the most intriguing things about grapevines is how independent they are. To put it simply, they rely on little else but sunshine and water. Many other crops like stone fruits and flowers, require the birds and bees to spread their pollen and create their fruit. Grapevines self-pollinate. Just a little breeze will move the tiny flower parts enough for them to set and become berries.

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(Cabernet Sauvignon in bloom - Photograph taken May 29, 2008 at Meteor Vineyard by Michael McDermott)

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(Cabernet Franc after set, during berry development - Photograph taken June 19, 2008 at Madrona Ranch by Annie Favia)

(Grenache cluster prebloom - Photo taken by on May 15th, 2008 by Annie Favia).

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The past few weeks have been a roller coaster ride for the vines. Cool temperatures, then cold, then very warm, then mild; shows how strong and resilient grapevines really are. Shoots have grown, tendrils have attached themselves to the wire, shoot tips are reaching for the sun.

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(Syrah tendril on wire - Photograph taken May 15th, 2008 Shake Ridge Ranch by Annie Favia)

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In one week, the sleepy winter world came to life. Wildflowers are blooming, the valley oaks have leafed out, and the birds and bees are beginning their busy spring work. Grapevines have broken dormancy and the fresh, green, fuzzy leaves and shoots have popped through the closed up bud we saw a few weeks ago. You can feel the power of nature through the change in energy level around you. Alive…

What are we doing in the vineyard? Mowing and tilling in the cover crops. Recording bud break. Beginning to protect against powdery mildew. Frost protecting.

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(Cabernet Franc - Photograph taken April 3, 2008 at Rancho Chimiles by Annie Favia)

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Having two very different children, I believe that people are who they are from the beginning. This bud shows how remarkable the grapevine really is. It holds everything deep inside its odd shape. It holds the tender green shoot, the bright leaves and all their workings to photosynthesize, it holds the curly tendrils which grab the wire so it can reach up to the sun, it holds the intricate flower with both female and male parts which become the clusters we pick for wine. Amazing…

What are we doing in the vineyard now? Pruning vines. Looking at the cover crop. Planning for the new season to come.

(Syrah Noir Bud - Photograph taken February 28, 2008 at Shake Ridge Ranch by Annie Favia)