Spring 2011 update

Well, spring looks like it finally arrived! Winter 2010-2011 was long, and snowfall was well above average. Many fields were filled with new lakes, and farmers could not seed until well into May.

Even Mojo was excited that Spring made it!





Our vineyard was also delayed, as we wanted to prune and train vines near the end of April. However, the field was wet and warm weather was several weeks late. Nevertheless, near the middle of May we were finally able to get out and do our long-awaited pruning and vine training. We wanted two basic stems rising upward, and then each splitting in opposite directions about 4 feet above the ground. This makes it easier for picking.
















Some of the vines exhibited characteristics that initially looked like they were burnt, and covered with ash. However, upon closer examination, the vine was moist, and I believe the ash-like substance was actually mold. Some of the offending vines were cut where the discoloration started, and others were left to see how they developed over the summer.



So, we will see how our manipulation worked, and whether the discolored vines heal. A mid-winter visit to Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria, Minnesota and a talk with the Bredesons led us to plan on harvesting every second cluster of grapes (cutting every other cluster off early in the growing phase). This is our third year with the vines, and is supposed to be THE year for harvesting the first crop of grapes. However, since we inadvertently harvested in our first year, the Bredeson's advised that try the above method.

Bring on the warm weather!!!