What season is this? It's hard to tell. Buds, thankfully not the grapes, are blooming and the temperatures are all over the place. We certainly didn't see the rain that we had hoped for during the winter but lately, it feels like winter is dragging its heels and camping out for awhile. Burr! It might be time to do a rain dance. It would be nice to say goodbye to the cold, dry conditions and say hello Spring!
Spring is a season of renewal where all that has been gray and quiet finally comes alive and colorful. While it's a little early and the vines are still dormant, the newly planted cover crop of Rye and Barley is just starting to sprout up between the rows. Cover crops such as grasses protect the soil from erosion and run off and will increase beneficial insects while often, preventing an outbreak of pests.
Everything in the vineyard plays a vital role and is relevant to the entire ecosystem of the vineyard and in the sustainable production of quality grapes. So, while we watch the grasses grow, we patiently keeping an eye out for the first bud-break from the newly pruned vines.
We often see her in the strangest places.
But DuPree, our marketing director, doesn't mind getting dirty to get thee shot (see above).