Cabernet Franc ripening in the summer of 2008
I posted the above picture because we're trying to focus on happier times. We went up to the vineyard this weekend for the first and very important fungicide spray of the year and found that almost all the new shoots had been badly burned by the frost we had on May 20th. "So what does this mean?" everyone asked when we went back to the lake for the Memorial Day festivities. We were not really sure as we had never experienced such a severe, late frost since planting the vineyard in 2003. We assumed that some secondary buds would bloom later, but that the vineyard was severely compromised for this year and we could look forward to a reduced harvest if the later blooms had time to ripen. It was a glum day.
When we got home to the laptop, sure enough there was a bulletin from our friendly Wine Grape Agent. He said that a lot of northern vineyards had been hit by frost. He wrote "If you did have frost damage, hang tight and see what pops out, either secondaries or laterals, but start adjusting to a new reality for the season - reduced crop and possibly a delayed harvest. Do not stop your disease/pest control program. Perhaps active frost prevention measures should be considered for the future." Pretty much what we expected.
As recreational growers, this is a serious bummer, but if you are doing this for a living, talk me down from the ledge, this is just plain serious.
What on earth do "real" vineyards do for frost control? A friend of ours who grows recreationally had smudge pots going and we decided if this happens again, we will invest in enough burlap or bedsheets to cover 50 vines. At next frost warning, the vineyard will be a kalaidescope of offensive 70's poly/cotton twin sheets that I believe are the root of much Gen X angst.
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