08/30/05 Summer in the vineyards

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran and this is a very exciting time of the year in the wine industry. On today's program we'll take a look at what's going on in the vineyards. Summer in the vineyards is always very interesting to me. It's the time when nature is doing much of the work. And it can be a lovely thing to watch, as the tiny berries that formed after the spring flower begin to form nice plump clusters of grapes. But lots of grape clusters isn't always the most desirable situation, so many producers will practice crop thinning or summer pruning. This process is done carefully and takes a great deal of skill. The idea is to cut off selected bunches by hand. Then all of the energy available in the vine will be focused upon the better growth and ripening of the remaining grape clusters. The green foliage portion of the grape vine is referred to as the canopy and it grows rapidly in the spring and summer. The canopy is usually trimmed back so that the vine doesn't use too much water or shade the grapes too heavily. As the grape clusters turn from hard berries to plump grapes they will begin to soften and change colors. This is the stage of growth and ripening referred to as veraison. Shortly after veraison takes place, the plant will begin to turn brown and get stiff and dry, as it stores energy to last through the dormancy of the upcoming winter. If you travel to wine country near the end of the summer try taking a break from the tasting rooms and arrange to visit the vineyards. To me it is very exciting at this time of year. After all, harvest is just around the corner. Thanks for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.