June 10, 2011 marks my seventh year of growing grapes, still a newcomer to many of our more experienced growers, but long enough to notice the trend that every season presents its own challenges. Bud break in the area was not so much delayed as it was slower than usual. The window for potential damage from Climbing Cutworm was increased but scouting showed that they just were not out there and the early season sprays for CCW were unnecessary. A great example of how important scouting is not just to find problems in the vineyard but to discover when a problem does not exist and reduce chemical inputs. However those gains were short lived. The weather through most of the spring was perfect for all the major fungal diseases we face and it seemed all we could do to keep up with spraying fungicide. I know my own spray program was more aggressive than usual and I have used more than one chemical this year that has not been in my schedule previously. Most reports I have heard were similar to what I have seen in our vineyard with Downy Mildew being the main concern and some phomopsis presenting but no major outbreaks. We picked up a DM infection that happened very early in the season, showing up on the oldest leaves, but so far it’s been kept under control and we hope to keep it that way. The conditions so beneficial for fungi were detrimental to fruit set. Our weather immediately pre-bloom was cold, cloudy and rainy, and even though it improved during bloom it seems it was too little too late. The lack of sunshine coupled with vigorous growth due to high amounts of rain fall set up the vines to be carbon deficient which can contribute to reduced fruit set. Several vineyards in the area have reported a higher incidence of the calyptras being “stuck” on the berries and flowers not fully opening. The degree of impact has yet to be determined but we are anticipating a lighter crop load throughout the region. Of course timing is everything and post bloom conditions have been hot and dry. On the positive side clusters should potentially be looser and more open and labor may be reduced with less fruit thinning. Don’t forget to come back and readjust crop estimates if needed. Also stay aware of increased potential for botrytis later in the season as the calyptras that did not drop can become trapped in the cluster when it closes. Grape Berry Moth populations seem to be lower than usual so far this year but there was a flight that coincided with bloom so we will continue to monitor that closely.
In other news we are still seeing a lot of growth in the area with new plantings at King Family, Afton Mountain, Glass House, Pollak, as well as others. We are also very excited to add a new wine trail in the area with the launch of the Appellation Trail which includes White Hall, Mountfair, Glass House, and two brand new facilities, Stinson Vineyards who will open in June and Moss Vineyards opening in 2012.
Here’s to continued success for the rest of the season!
Turtle Zwadlo | Pollak Vineyards