Work in the Vineyard....

Work in the vineyard seems endless this time of year. The Toucan Wines Vineyard is only 3 1/2 acres but it requires extra attention this year given the 32 inches of rain we experienced this season.

Hoeing is always a big job, but given the rains, our weeds have grown stronger and earlier than usual. Green growth in the vineyard this year is as strong and full as I've seen it, and thinning (or suckering) is the removal of unwanted shoots. Usually, two full passes through the vineyard does the job of shoot thinning. Currently I'm tying the longer than usual shoots to the drip line wire (our only wire) and to the posts to prevent damage to the shoots from the tractor when mowing or spraying the vineyard.

This week we'll experience our first heat surge of the season with temps in the 90's this weekend. This time of year the winds are usually blowing strong - this year has been no exception. Strong winds seems to come up just about every afternoon.

Overall, the set as we finish bloom looks beautiful and I anticipate a crop of normal quantity and hope for exceptional quality. This means a mere 350 cases of estate wine from our small vineyard.