: THE BLOG
Mother Nature doesn’t always know best.
We all learned through experience that Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Whether we are planning a weekend getaway, a stroll through the park or a nice relaxing evening in the backyard we are vulnerable to weather.
So what is the effect of rain on vineyards? Typically, winter dormancy occurs during cold wet days and colder wet nights, followed by a season of warmer temperatures that help the vine transition into bud break.
However, when Mother Nature chooses to run oppositely this has an effect on the vine. A warm dry winter confuses the vine and it begins to believe it is time to break and bloom. This is a concern for any winemaker; if the vine decides to break during this time it is now in a vulnerable position. The buds have been released from their protective covering and are susceptible to anything Mother Nature throws. When the warm winter is followed by a cool wet spring, frost becomes a likely concern. If the vine endures frost it can reduce the quality of the fruit.
Like any plant, natural sunlight is a huge factor to the plants health and growth. When the weather brings rain and a thick blanket of fog over the vineyard throughout the day, the sunlight is minimized and does not provide the grapes the necessary nourishment that they need to survive and flourish. This can impact the ripeness of the grape. Both frost and increased rain can reduce the quality of the grape therefore, creating a lower yield.
Winemakers have accepted the reality of Mother Nature and have worked with her continuous changes.
Enjoy the fruits of Mother Nature’s labor with handcrafted wine from small artisan wineries. Reorder your favorites or discover something new!
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