As the winter fades and the days gradually grow longer, signs of life are starting to emerge in our vineyard. With each passing day, there's a palpable sense of anticipation as we eagerly await the arrival of budbreak—the moment when tiny buds burst forth, signaling the start of a new growing season.
Standing amidst the rows of vines, it's remarkable to witness the subtle transformations taking place. Everything is beginning to stir, with even the smallest details becoming more pronounced upon closer inspection. The fibers of the vines have swollen noticeably since our last watering, a promising sign that budbreak is imminent.
Our attention is particularly drawn to our 3-year-old La Crescent vines, which are showing promising signs of advancement. The La Crosse and Frontenac Gris varieties, however, seem to be taking their time, biding their moments before springing into action. And then there's the dependable Leon Millot, perennially lagging behind but always managing to catch up in the end—a testament to its resilience and determination.
This year, we've experienced a larger-than-usual dieback, with the Leon Millot vines bearing the brunt of the impact, leaving only cordons behind. It's a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of nature and the resilience of these cold-hardy hybrid grapes.
As we eagerly await budbreak, our vigilance remains unwavering. With the threat of frost looming, we know that swift action will be required to protect our tender buds once they emerge. With temperatures on the rise and the promise of 80-degree weather on the horizon, we know that budbreak will be occurring in the next few weeks and frost protection must begin in earnest.
In the vineyard, every season brings its own set of challenges and triumphs. As we stand on the cusp of spring, we're reminded once again of the delicate balance between nature's forces and our own efforts to nurture and protect the vines. And so, we wait with bated breath, ready to greet the arrival of budbreak and embark on another season of growth, resilience, and possibility.
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