Bloom & Set

The annual growth cycle of the grapevine can be a stressful and bumpy road. Critical phases come and go, many of which can significantly affect the output and quality of the grapes. But it’s these little bumps that shape each vintage’s identity. Currently, we are just finishing up one of these important phases called “bloom” which will determine the fruit set for each cluster.

As this year’s shoots continue to grow with sunlight and increasing temperatures, clusters will be developing with individual berries.  During “bloom” the caps on the berries will pop off and revival the stamens, pollen producing anthers which surround the pistil, the unpollinated berry.

Vitus vinifera grapevines are a self-pollinating species so bees and other insects are not needed for their pollination. Instead, pollen grains released from the anthers fall on the pistil.  In order to fully pollinate each berry, warm and dry weather during the months of May and early June is ideal.  Poor pollination conditions (such as rain or windy conditions) can wreck havoc on fruit set and cause problems like “shatter,” where numerous unpollinated berries on each cluster do not develop or ripen.

Although this process can be bumpy and full of drama, it is also an exciting one. Hopefully Mother Nature will be kind to us, allowing ample sun and cool nights for the months to come. But one thing is for certain: this year’s weather will leave its own fingerprint. One that is unique and delicious!

Cheers,

Brook Williams - President & Winegrower

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Posted on: Jun 28, 2011