Due to our crew size and scale of the vineyards we wrapped up pruning over at Skyline and Sawtooth in the first part of April. Being smaller in size all my consulting clients were able to finish up their vineyards in March. Pruned up and tied on the wire, all the vines are ready to go for budbreak. Initially, I have been seeing some budswell in Chardonnay and on some weaker shoots in the Mourvèdre. I doubt the Mourvèdre will be the first red to break bud as it is typically later.
The first bit of bleeding was in March in the Chardonnay and the Tempranillo. As of now everything is bleeding profusely. We head train and cane prune our Muscat Blanc and at the moment the vines look like water fountains.
The weather has been a little touch and go to towards the end of March and the beginning of April. We have been getting pretty heavy rains which has resulted in a nice green spring out here in the sagebrush steppe. Some of the sheep herds have already rolled though so all the dead vegetation has been grazed on. This only has enhanced how green the natural setting has been. However, the wind and the frequent, but on and off rain has made work a hurry up and wait ordeal. Farming is about riding the weather without a bridle or saddle. Some of you might even be riding the horse backwards as well. At least if feels that way at times.
Cragin Viticulture 