Spring in Wine Country

As you drive into wine country look to your left and to your right. Do you see those precious bits of green along the dark and rustic cordons, the arms of the vine, that are reaching out from the trunks of the rows of grapevines? That is the miracle we look forward to every spring here in our beautiful wine country, the magic of bud break.

The rain fell on the dry Southern California soil these past months. The once scarce precipitation is now offering more generously to each plant, each vine, each row of Chardonnay, of Vermentino, of Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot and every other varietal we cherish here the chance to stretch out those cordons, and for each small spur along those lines to reach their full potential. Spring has come; warmth and sunshine are waking up the vines here at Ponte. The leaves of each are beginning to unfurl from those tight buds.

As the days lengthen and the sun shines soon you will see the berries set. You will soon see little clusters of sweet promise nestled beneath leaves that will grow broad and protective of the young emerging fruit.

Spring is my favorite season. It is a magical time in wine country.

This past week the vineyard supervisor drove us, the winemaking team, through the estate to discuss potential harvest yields and many of the changes that are being made in the vineyard.  “These are coming out,” he said, pointing to the left at vines no longer productive. “We will plant new vines here soon,” he offered, pointing to the right at a beautiful field with wild flowers that encourage beneficial bees and other helpful bugs to make a home here until it is its turn to grow grapes. Every varietal is known intimately, every vine has been touched. He shared how they will be grown, protected, made better, stronger, healthier. He told us of plans his crew has for more precise irrigation, more sustainable fertilization; shared just a few of the many decisions that are made every day. He pointed out each of the owl boxes placed on poles throughout the vineyard. Each offers a home for a family of raptors that help to control the rodents in an ecologically responsible manner so that the vines are in turn protected. Our vineyard is in balance with nature, nature in our valley is in balance with the seasons,  and  we are privileged to be a part of it all.

The wine we will make from these vines that are offering their springtime buds will be a part of that balance of nature.

So as you come to visit us, as you sip a glass of Tempranillo or Arneis, or one our beautiful blends of Beverino or perhaps our sparkling Moscato, look around and take special notice of these first signs of spring. See those buds breaking, our vines growing and witness the beginnings of the next vintage of beautiful wine to fill your glass.

I invite you to take a tour with one of our knowledgeable guides; to go out into the vineyard, to see our budding vines and savor springtime in our beautiful valley. Come experience the magic we are honored to be a part of every day.