The new growing season is upon in the Santa Ynez Valley as as we head into the “bud break” period in the weeks ahead.
Bud break occurs when the little buds on the vine break open with the first new growth of the season. From the buds come the shoots that will produce leaves and fruit. Later in the spring, little “flower” clusters appear on the young shoots, initiating a process called “flowering,” whereby the young buds self-pollinate and set the fruit for the upcoming harvest.
It’s almost hard to believe that these tiny leafing buds will, in the span of just six months, yield a large canopy with ripe clusters, and ultimately delivery a hearty, robust red wine like Jarhead Red. Such is the annual magic of winegrowing.
