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Spring is slowly making its way forward. Days are longer, and we have less rainy days and the garden & wildlfe are taking center stage. Unlike last year, where we went directly from winter into summer, we are going to have that critical spring weather where the soil is soft enough for digging in these notoriously rocky conditions and temps will be moderate, allowing the vines to get a good start prior to the heat of summer.

Overall, winter was warmer and provided plenty of rain and snow, insuring that California will again not be facing a drought this year or next year. El Nino kept winter temps a bit warmer than usual which translated into the garden being well ahead of where it usually is at this time of the year.

A short take on the 2023 vintage. 2023 will be remembered for a relatively cool summer, that provided excellent hang time on fruit. In general terms the summer was a relief from recent very warm summers. An added bonus was that this was a year without major wild fires.

Finally.... It's "go time". First vineyard block will be started on 4.8.24. The first block will feature two varietals, Syrah & Merlot. (Syrah 37 Alban 2 & Merlot 15 French 181)
The Syrah is on SO4 rootstock while the Merlot is on 5C rootstock. Both the varietals and the rootstocks perform well in warm climate and soil conditions here. At the same time that the planting is being prepared, the irrigation system will be put into place. The system will allow for automated irrigation set up along with manual control. plastic grow tubes will be added so as to protect the vines from small animals.

As promised, we'll give you a chance to see all of this via photos & youtube. Stay tuned.......

JDV is now a proud member of the Calaveras Winegrape Alliance (CWA) . Click below to find out more about this amazing region...

https://www.calaveraswines.org/