Life goes by fast. Busy day blurs into the next busy day. For some, weekends punctuate the cycle. For other religious calendars mark out the passing of seasons. Farmers may not always be able to look to a weekend of … Continue reading
Maybe the season following a dry winter is not he optimal time to do it, but as my vines get bigger, I wanted to change my irrigation by raising the lines and moving out my drippres. This consisted of raising … Continue reading
As the growing season kicks in, two things happen in stark juxtaposition: The days get gloomy, and at times balmy. At the same time, one of my favorite trees, the Jacaranda, comes into bloom in vibrant light purple flowers. Unfortunately, … Continue reading
I paid a much delayed visit to the vineyard on Saturday. It was supposed to be at 7 am, but it was just after 10 because after working nights after taking care of an increasingly energetic infant, I could not … Continue reading
This gallery contains 8 photos.
…albeit with a little delay. I spent the morning or April 21st battling a stubborn weed whacker and a somewhat more feeble and compliant ground cover (results). In between mowing, letting out more string and adding more fuel, I also … Continue reading
Which factors affect onset of bud break in grapevines, year-to-year? What delays budbreak? Do vines bud later in the season after their first crop? Does water deprivation after harvest affect the subsequent season’s growth? Is there any evidence that older … Continue reading
A cabbie in Eastern Europe once told me: “Never trust lawyers, priests and weathermen” (not necessarily in that order). So, last Saturday I pruned the Montepulciano block since the forecast was for drizzle in the foothills. The vineyard is NOT … Continue reading
So, I go and break one little toe dashing for the crib in the middle of the night…. Then, about a week later, I hook the same toe on a table leg… I’m graceful like that. For the next two … Continue reading
A week ago, I found out I was providing a free meal to the birds of Mt. Washington. After three years of hard work, sweat, some blood and a few tears, I had my first crop. And these winged marauders … Continue reading
After three years of work and ups and downs, there are finally clusters hanging on my vines. It’s been an imperfect year, with a wet winter and spring conditions that resulted in uneven fruit set. Two Aglianico vines are struggling … Continue reading
Shut up and make wine 