Spring In The Vineyard

As winter's frosty grip loosens, and the days gradually lengthen, vineyards come alive with the promise of a new season. Spring in the vineyard is a time of renewal, where dormant vines awaken and the delicate dance of nature begins.

The Lifecycle Unfolds: From Budburst to Flowering

Spring marks the commencement of the grapevine's annual lifecycle, a journey that begins with budburst. As temperatures rise, dormant buds swell and burst open, revealing the tender shoots that will soon grow into lush canopies of leaves. This critical phase is not only a visual spectacle but a vital moment for growers as it sets the tone for the entire growing season.

Following budburst, the vine transitions into flowering, a delicate and crucial stage. Tiny, inconspicuous flowers appear on the vines, signalling the onset of grape development. The weather during this period plays a pivotal role in determining the quantity and quality of the eventual harvest. Warm and dry conditions are optimal, allowing for successful pollination, while cool or rainy weather can lead to poor fruit set, impacting final yields. This contributes to vintage variation, which affects the quality of a harvest in any given year.

Spring's gentle warmth fosters the growth of leaves, which are essential for photosynthesis. The expanding canopy captures sunlight, converting it into energy that fuels the vine's growth and the development of grape clusters. This period is a race against time, as vines strive to accumulate enough energy to support the fruit that will follow as they go through the colour change and ripening period during spring.

Fruit set in the vineyard is a pivotal stage in the grapevine's annual lifecycle, typically happening in late spring. This crucial phase follows the flowering period. Fruit set is the transformative moment when these delicate flowers transition into small, hard and bitter green grape berries, marking the initiation of grape development. Successful fruit set is paramount for a bountiful harvest, as each fertilized flower represents a potential grape cluster.

Challenges in the Spring Vineyard: Weather and Climate Change

While spring brings promises of new beginnings, it also presents challenges for grape growers. Unpredictable weather patterns and climate change pose threats to vineyards worldwide. Sudden temperature fluctuations, late frosts, or excessive rain during the crucial stages of budburst and flowering can have devastating effects on the crop.

Climate change introduces new uncertainties, altering traditional growing conditions and challenging growers to adapt. Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns can disrupt the delicate balance necessary for optimal grape development.

To combat the challenges posed by spring weather and climate change, grape growers employ various strategies. Protective measures, such as installing frost fans and heaters, help ward off late frosts that can damage tender buds. Advanced weather monitoring systems provide growers with real-time data, allowing them to make informed decisions and implement preventive measures when adverse conditions are forecasted.

Additionally, sustainable and organic farming practices are gaining popularity as they contribute to the overall resilience of the vineyard ecosystem. Cover crops and natural pest management techniques are employed to maintain soil health and biodiversity, enhancing the vineyard's ability to adapt to changing conditions.

If you get the opportunity to, do visit a local vineyard at this time of year and see the beauty of Spring for yourself!

Four Perfect Spring Wines

Casillero de Diablo Reserva Especial Sauvignon Blanc, Chile (Saisnburys, £10)

Bored of New Zealand Sauvignon? Try this crisp and fresh example from the Pacific coast of Chile, with notes of grapefruit and green apple and lovely Spring floral aromas. It sits somewhere between the French & Kiwi styles.

Planeta L’Amistanza Fiano Grecanico, Sicily, Italy (Tesco, £10.50)

Fewer wine regions capture the feeling of sunshine better than Sicily. This white wine made from native Italian grapse really sings with it’s fresh, floral style. Great with pasta and seafood.

Le Bijou Rosé de Sophie Valrose Coteaux de Béziers, Languedoc, France (Waitrose, £9.99)

The mediterranean region of Languedoc is a hidden gem for great value French wine and this rosé is no exception. Dry, crisp and fruity, it’s the perfect wine to emerge from the cold into the early Spring sunshine!

Pask Instinct Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand (Fraziers, £14.95)

One for red wine enthusiasts, a light and fruity Pinot Noir embodies the spirit of spring. With its red berry aromas and silky texture, this wine pairs wonderfully with spring cuisine and is perfect for transitioning from cooler evenings to warmer days.