Vines and tendrils reaching upwards on their trellis wires on Three Feathers Estate & Vineyard.

2017 Vineyard Season Update

We have been frantically busy since our last post about the vineyard at bud break in May.  I analogize the season in the vineyard to a horse race with us in a race to keep up with the pace of the vines as they grow.  There’s weeding and mowing, fertilizing and disease control and the perpetual attempt to keep the plants under control with trellis wires, clips and pruners.

Vines as far as the eye can see at Three Feathers Estate & Vineyard.

Vineyard team tying up Pinot Gris plants to promote strength on Three Feathers Estate & Vineyard.

Vineyard team member wearing the indispensable straw hat.

Overview of vine rows on Three Feathers Vineyard.

Early on, the vines look so neat and tidy with growing shoots and flowering inflorescence; then, suddenly, they burst into growth with reaching tendrils that entangle each other, the tractors and anything they can grab on to.

Pre-bloom on Pinot Noir vines at Three Feathers Estate & Vineyard.

Blooming inflorescence on Pinot Noir vines at Three Feathers Estate & Vineyard.

Blooming inflorescence on Pinot Noir vines at Three Feathers Estate & Vineyard.

The green pea-size fruit is now taking shape in clusters.  We have had beautiful weather; cool windy nights and hot dry days.  So far, we are anticipating a normal harvest date in early October, with bountiful and intense-flavored fruit.  We shall see.

Pea-size Pinot Noir grape clusters on Three Feathers Estate & Vineyard.

Pea-size Pinot Noir grape clusters on Three Feathers Estate & Vineyard.