So many green grapes!

Morning in the vineyard. Petit verdot grapes.

Petit manseng grapes.

Petit verdot clusters were thinned two weeks ago, but regular thinning is required due to the remarkable fertility of this varietal. It is common for PV to have four clusters per cane.

The winner! From the new vines, this petit manseng won the race to the lowest wire (the goal for the first year growth).

Another picture of the 2011 "rookie of the year."

A dose of humility, thanks to fungus among us. Regular observation in the vineyard, partnered with a proactive spray regimen, keeps fungus from getting out of control. This cluster reminds me that laziness makes bad wine.

I also found some bird pecking injuries to grapes this morning. Measures will have to be taken, or I could lose every grape to birds.

When it rains, it pours

Over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we have seen 1  3/4 inches of rain. This moisture has been great, since the previous few weeks were quite dry. The more natural rain, the less I have to use a hose. Since I am still a small operation, I have not installed irrigation lines. I will dig a well for watering with vineyard expansion. You can see the vineyard on the bottom left of this picture.

My weather station allows accurate assessment of rain accumulation.

Trellis is complete.

"I love it when a plan comes together" John (Hannibal) Smith, A-Team.

One full fruit zone on petit manseng. Cluster thinning is required.

The last wire installation was needed immediately.

With the last of the hardward installed, I can focus completely on vine health. PM is a bit ahead of PV as far as grape maturity. I couldn't be happier overall. The fugus control is adequate. The vines look great. Tendrils indicate good hydration, despite lack of rain. A happy vineyard.