Quady Winery Blog

Bud Break

Perennial plants such as grapevines die back in the fall and start growth again each spring.   New growth emerges only from growing points, also called "buds".   When the vines were pruned last winter, a certain number buds were left on each vine.    In our region those buds began growth this month.   For Orange Muscat the buds "burst" around March 15. 

Energy for the differentiation and growth of the plant material is provided by metabolism of carbohydrates created last fall in the leaves and stored over the winter in the woody parts after the crop was harvested but before the plant went into dormancy.   

The photo to the right is a close up of an Orange Muscat bud a few days after the bud began growth. 

The second photo is after about a week.  The beginnings of the cluster can be seen.

The red coloring on the leaves is characteristic of Orange Muscat.   Most white grape varieties including other Muscats do not exhibit this coloration.

We use this coloration, only visible in the spring, to differenciate our Orange Muscat grapes from the Muscat Blanc (or Muscat Canelli) grapes also growing in our vineyard. 

In the third photo (this is of Grenache), the bud has become a shoot.   Clearly visible are the parts which will develop into a grape cluster.  The cluster will have three lobes.  Normally there are two clusters on each shoot. 

Grenache is a vigorous variety with the potential to produce a large crop. 

In September when the grapes are ready to harvest the cluster will be about 12 inches long and weigh about one pound.  We are making a light red or dark rose Grenache table wine from these grapes, for our personal use.   

Under a Blanket of Fog

The Vineyard Sleeps

In late December and January heavy fog is common and the nights are long.    Outside it is cold and damp.  When night falls and the day is done it feels good to sit by the fire, with a glass of Starboard. 

December in our vineyard

 

This blog's purpose is to chronicle events in our vineyard, winery, and culture. 

Today is December 12, 2006.  The vines are dormant.   Last week we spread a mixture of manure and composted grape pomace into every other row, the other rows having been planted to a mixture of grasses and legumes.  It is important for the health of our vineyard to build up the levels of organic materials because much of our soil is very sandy and the organic materials help the soil hold moisture and nutrients longer.  Tests of our vines show that even without additional fertilizers the plants have sufficient nitrogen for good growth.   This is an organic method of fertilization which is successful in our vineyard. 

Production in our Orange Muscat vineyard (planted in 1982) is declining due mainly to nematodes (microscopic worms which feed on the roots), and to Eutypa, a fungus disease which attacks the woody parts of the vine.    Since beginning the program of compost and cover cropping, the vines seem to be doing better in the sandy areas - where the nematodes are most severe.  We prefer to use organic farming methods as much as practicable in our sustainably managed vineyard.

The picture on the left is of the end view of a healthy row of vines in loamy soil.  The soil to the left of the vine row has been spread with a composted   mix of pomace and manure.    The soil  to the right has been planted to cover crop.   Note the length of the canes.     In order to control weeds without chemical weed controls, weed fabric (made from discarded tires)  has been laid down between the vines.

The vine row to the right is in the sandy area of the vineyard.   Notice the shorter canes.  Composted pomace and manure and ground cover are important amendments to this soil which is very low in organic matter.