We finished pruning in February, and right on cue — actually, a bit ahead of cue — the vines are waking up. Bud break has arrived at Hillside Ranch Vineyard, and it’s earlier than usual thanks to the stretch of unseasonably warm weather we’ve been experiencing in Southern California.
Early bud break means the vines are more vulnerable to late-season frost. A cold snap now — when new growth is exposed — can damage the crop. It’s part of the unpredictability of farming, and something we’ll keep a close eye on over the coming weeks (although it’s tough to imagine frost when it’s 90 degrees outside!).
An early bud break generally points toward an earlier harvest. That’s not a guarantee — a lot can happen between now and August/September. We’ll be tracking how things develop and sharing updates as the season progresses.
For now, we’re just glad to see the vines doing what vines do. Another vintage is underway at HRV!