2020 Andis Bud Break - www.andiswines.com
Mark Fowler, Andis Wine Maker
Spring is here, the defining season for every winemaker! We just wrapped up winter pruning in the vineyard in February, and are now eagerly anticipating spring and bud break.
Bud break signals the beginning of this year’s vine growth. As the soil temperature rises so does root pressure, bringing once dormant buds back to life. The buds start to swell and get felty until finally the first and second leaves start to unfold.
Spring is the most nerve racking time of the year for us as a single frost can damage an entire crop. If the temperature drops below 32 degrees the delicate buds may be destroyed. If temperatures rise too much the grapevines will grow too rapidly focusing energy on producing leaves instead of berries. Mild springs are ideal for encouraging slower growth.
If the weather is in our favor small shoots and leaves, required for photosynthesis, start to develop on the vine. As the vine grows more buds may develop, these buds are removed to allow the vine to focus its energy on the intended growth. Eventually small flowers start blooming and tiny bunches of grapes start to grow. At this early stage we can start to determine the size of the crop and berry. Everything that happens in the spring defines the rest of the season!
Follow along with our 2020 harvest as we update our blog and social media all season long.
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