03/30/05 Spring in the vineyards

Spring is in the air and we're all noticing the flowering world around us. Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. Today we'll take a peek at what's happening in the vineyard at this time of the year. The vineyards are pruned about twice a year and early spring is one of those times. Out here on the west coast we are experiencing an earlier than usual spring so every vineyard I have driven by during the last few weeks has been pruning the vines. As spring growth begins, the sap starts to flow through the dormant grapevines. Once the buds emerge it will take about eight weeks for the foliage and flowers to appear. The pollinated and fertilized flowers will become grapes. Once those little embryo grapes appear the fertilizing and vineyard maintenance will go into full swing right through harvest. The grapes will gradually change color as they ripen. Sometimes the foliage around the ripening fruit is plucked to expose the grapes to more warmth, light and air. Since grape varieties bud at different times, there really is no specific time when the vineyards are all popping out. Spring is also a special time when the winery will release their new vintages, or give us a taste from the barrels of wines that were made during last fall's harvest. Many of the wine regions will join together to have a special spring open house and barrel tasting. This is a great time to visit wine country. Remember to send your wine questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thanks for joining me on Vine to Wine.