2013 Spring Grape Growing Vintage Report Video | Bud Break

There is no mistaking it now—springtime is here at Jordan! As expected, although earlier than normal due to the unseasonably dry conditions and warm temperatures, our Russian River Chardonnay vines boldly led the way out of winter dormancy as early as late February, followed a few weeks later by our Alexander Valley Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and lastly, the late-to-push Cabernet Sauvignon, which has not even begun in some of our lower lying vineyards. The grapevines that stood like lifeless, bare, T-shaped trees for months are now bursting with vitality, as both the temperature and their time in the sun increase each day.

With no exposed green plant tissue during the dormant period to allow photosynthesis to occur, the ability of the vine to store enough energy for this spring moment of rebirth is crucial for the ongoing vegetative and reproductive growth of the plant. The carbohydrate energy reserves that were tucked away in the trunk and roots of the vines throughout winter are now being called upon to step up and provide the last burst of energy needed to push the first leaves out of the dormant bud—bud break.

Regardless of the vine-training method, the cordons and canes throughout our vineyards are speckled with the youthful light green of these first leaves. Having been tightly packed and protected all winter, these tiny, half-dozen leaves have but one goal—restart the photosynthesis process so that the vine is no longer dependent on the minimal energy reserves it tucked away to get through the winter months.

Watch our 2013 bud break video above to learn more.