Journal / Field Notes | July 14, 2023

A Dry July Means Small Berries

It has been over three weeks since we have seen a measurable rain. Hit or miss thunderstorms have missed Linden so far. The vines are finding adequate moisture deeper in the soil, but we are seeing a slowing of shoot tip growth. This is ideal for us (less work), for the vines (transitioning to ripening grapes instead of growing more leaves), and most importantly for the grapes (small berries).

The vines grow slowly when the soil is dry. This is also the case with berry development. June and July are the months where the grapes enlarge via cell division. Slightly water stressed vines will slow division resulting in smaller berries. Smaller berries make more concentrated, flavorful wine.

We know that the weather can, and probably will change. But right now we are enjoying a wonderful vineyard summer.

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Hardscrabble Journal, Field NotesJim Law2023