Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/620640
w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m J a n - F e b 2 016 | V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T 5 1 fter a fourth year of drought, California vineyards began to show the strain in 2015. Rainfall was below average all over the state, and a non-existent snowpack in the Sierras caused problems for growers who rely on snowmelt for their water supply. An early bud break resulted in an early harvest, and the yield for most varieties was on the light side. Heat was the season's defining feature in Washington state, with record-setting temperatures hitting growers in many regions. Due to the heat, every step in the growing process happened early, from bud break to harvest. Canopy manage- ment was key for growers in trying to protect clusters from the sun. Despite the challenges of the sea- son, vintners were happy with the fruit quality. In Oregon, growers had little to complain about in 2015. The growing season had an early start, followed by warm temperatures, a large set and exceptional quality fruit. Wine regions in the East experi- enced a February deep freeze that caused many growers to fear a replay of 2014's Polar Vortex event. The freeze was followed by rains in late spring, which increased con- cerns about the vintage. However, warm dry weather in the summer helped set the stage for a good quality harvest in many regions. Growers in states such as Michigan and New York weren't so lucky; bud kill and decimated yields prompted many to take a serious look at plant- ing more cold-hardy varieties. CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA BY GLENN MCGOURTY C a l i f o r n i a 's f o u r t h y e a r o f drought presented winegrowers with unprecedented conditions. The state's rainfall was below aver- age everywhere, and the smallest snowpack on record made growers scramble for water supplies in areas served by water districts sourcing from the Sierras and other regions relying on snowmelt. Overall, the best description of the 2015 harvest would be early, fast and light. November and December pro- duced promising rainfall, particu- larly in the North Coast. There even was some light flooding along some waterways. By Christmas week, the rain halted, and the weather became a bit of a repeat of 2014, with cold nights, warm days and dry weather. Rain storms later in the spring did bring many surface water supplies up to regular capacity. In many parts of the Central Valley, groundwater made up the difference and supplies were mostly adequate. Marginal areas faced dry wells. The Central Coast once again was well below normal rainfall during the winter and spring months. w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m Everything you need to make your very best. C M Y CM MY CY CMY K RW-WBM-111814.pdf 1 11/18/14 1:41 PM 2015