Our 2022 Vintage takes us back to the 1990s | Harvest Wrap-up
Wrapping up this year’s harvest and our 2022 Vintage takes us back to the 1990s. A cooler, wetter Oregon when harvest was pushed late into the year and ice wine was the latest thing. Compared to recent vintages, bud-break was a full three weeks later (May 1st on Chehalem Mountains). A late April freeze on the young shoots in the valley inspired dire predictions for the crop.
As it turned out, the frost affected some but not many. Plants at Three Feathers were still sleeping when the frost hit so that was not an issue for us.
Spring Rains
The late spring rains damaged cherry, apple and plum crops as the rain and frost hindered pollination. But the extra moisture was welcomed by the grape vines and plants grew vigorously and bloomed heavily. Our cover crop of Crimson Clover at Three Feathers Vineyard was exceptional this year.
In fact, yields everywhere were higher and once again we exceeded expectations for harvest.
New Growing Challenge | Balancing our crop with the seasons
In this type of short summer season, our high-elevations are a handicap because vines need a minimal amount of heat to ripen to desired levels. With the heavy crop and time crunch it was necessary to sacrifice some yield for the best quality. Our plants are now reaching full maturity, so the challenge every year from now on will be balancing the crop with the seasons.
Victor and I picked our last grapes in Three Feathers’ Pinot Gris Block on October 24 and delivered them to our winemaker in our own truck.
We sold 32 tons of fruit to buyers, kept fruit for Three Feathers 2022 vintage and still left grapes in the vineyards! Our wine-making strategy with the fruit from this harvest includes our Pinot Gris, Pinot POP and a new Three Feathers Rosé of Pinot Noir.
We feel very fortunate to have avoided all the pitfalls of the 2022 vintage. Fall rains and cool temperatures arrived on October 28th, after we completed harvest.
Stay tuned for new reports as our 2022 wines progress!