How to catch a swarm of bees is maybe not something you wonder about. But, when you see a swarm, and know the potential they have, it is a shame to let them go! You could add to your collection of backyard bees! The bee cluster that you see in the photo above was one we found swarming. This is not the first hive that we have had swarming in or around the vineyard. Back in 2010, before we had … [Read more...] about How to Catch a Swarm of Bees
Vineyard
Canopy Management in the Vineyard
The grapevines are growing well and looking beautiful. Everything that you see above ground on the vines is considered part of the canopy. As you can tell in the photo, it is getting quite large! That means that it is time to think about managing it. For us, canopy management in the vineyard and raising wires go hand in hand. A large healthy canopy is always a good sign of a healthy vineyard. … [Read more...] about Canopy Management in the Vineyard
Trellising Grapevines – the Albarino
Thankfully, the albarino grapevines that were planted in the spring are growing very well. That means that it is time for trellising grapevines! Our trellising system for these vines consists of a cordon wire strung at 3 1/2 ft from the ground. As the vines grow, we will add VSP wires using 7 ft high posts. VSP posts (vertical shoot position) hold extra wires which support the canopy and keep it … [Read more...] about Trellising Grapevines – the Albarino
Planting Albarino – the Last Acre
After almost a three week wait, we have finally finished planting Albarino grapevines. This brings the total to 4 acres Albarino and 1 acre Roussanne planted for 2017. The nursery in California that we normally buy our vines from did not have enough of the Albarino so, we had to look elsewhere. We normally use dormant bench grafted vines that have been grafted and planted in the field for one … [Read more...] about Planting Albarino – the Last Acre
Hail Damage in the Vineyard
Last Sunday began in an unusual way - it was Resurrection Sunday and we hosted a sunrise service on our patio! It was also one of our son's 12th birthday ! Little did we know the hail damage in the vineyard that was to come! There were storms clouds in the area but according to radar, they were not suppose to hit us. Ooops, the radar was wrong! Not only did the thunderstorm hit, it sat over us … [Read more...] about Hail Damage in the Vineyard
Planting Grapevines 2017 – Albarino and Roussanne
We are expanding the vineyard and adding 5 more acres! Planting Grapevines 2017 gives us a total of 37 acres of grapes. Planting Grapevines 2017 holds a new variety for us - 4 acres of Albarino. Albarino is most known as a grape from Spain but it is also grown in Portugal. We also added an acre of Roussanne which is a French white. A lot of prep work is done before we actually begin to plant. … [Read more...] about Planting Grapevines 2017 – Albarino and Roussanne