Springtime in wine country is a beautiful and exciting time of year. Tall grasses dappled with wildflowers—purple lupine and golden California poppies—sway in the breeze along country roads throughout Santa Barbara County. Amidst all of this pastoral beauty vineyard managers and winemakers wring their hands anxiously as they await the first signs of growth, also known as bud break--a moment in the vineyard that can make or break an entire vintage.
Buds are present on the outside of the dormant canes throughout the winter, beneath the silver skin. In the springtime, with the perfect amount of sunlight and water, the vine’s new growth emerges, breaking through the woody scales and unfurling its verdant tendrils.
This week I spoke with vineyard expert Jeff Newton of Coastal Vineyard Care Associates to gain his perspective on this time of year as well as his predictions for the upcoming vintage.
What does bud break signify?
It indicates the beginning of the vine’s growth season and thus, the beginning of our year in the vineyard. It is when we spring into action.
When did it begin in Santa Barbara County?
In Santa Barbara County it typically happens in mid March. We first noticed buds early last week on Pinot Noir vines in the Sta. Rita Hills. Bud break is very varietal dependent—usually Pinot Noir begins first, followed by Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Rousanne. Today we’re seeing Chardonnay push out over at Zaca Mesa.
Is the timing significant?
Yes, if bud break happens early, the buds are more vulnerable to potential frost. It can be devastating. Last year we lost a significant part of our crop to frost—fifty percent on several of the vineyards we manage, totalling 200-acres—and throughout Santa Barbara County yields were extremely low.
So what does it mean for future vintages that bud break is on schedule this year?
It bodes well for our crop. Because buds are emerging at a fairly frost-safe time of year, blossoms, which begin 60 days after bud break, will consequently appear during a warmer period. This should increase the production of fruit and improve the crop throughout Santa Barbara County.
Buds are present on the outside of the dormant canes throughout the winter, beneath the silver skin. In the springtime, with the perfect amount of sunlight and water, the vine’s new growth emerges, breaking through the woody scales and unfurling its verdant tendrils.
This week I spoke with vineyard expert Jeff Newton of Coastal Vineyard Care Associates to gain his perspective on this time of year as well as his predictions for the upcoming vintage.
What does bud break signify?
It indicates the beginning of the vine’s growth season and thus, the beginning of our year in the vineyard. It is when we spring into action.
When did it begin in Santa Barbara County?
In Santa Barbara County it typically happens in mid March. We first noticed buds early last week on Pinot Noir vines in the Sta. Rita Hills. Bud break is very varietal dependent—usually Pinot Noir begins first, followed by Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Rousanne. Today we’re seeing Chardonnay push out over at Zaca Mesa.
Is the timing significant?
Yes, if bud break happens early, the buds are more vulnerable to potential frost. It can be devastating. Last year we lost a significant part of our crop to frost—fifty percent on several of the vineyards we manage, totalling 200-acres—and throughout Santa Barbara County yields were extremely low.
So what does it mean for future vintages that bud break is on schedule this year?
It bodes well for our crop. Because buds are emerging at a fairly frost-safe time of year, blossoms, which begin 60 days after bud break, will consequently appear during a warmer period. This should increase the production of fruit and improve the crop throughout Santa Barbara County.
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