VINEYARD UPDATE – A New Growing Season

As grape growers and winemakers, the weather plays a crucial role in nearly every aspect of our work. At this time of year, one key factor we’re closely monitoring is our annual rainfall totals. Our “rain year” runs from July 1st to June 30th of the following year. Typically, Sonoma County receives the bulk of its rainfall between mid-October and the end of March, which means we have only one more month to expect any significant precipitation. On average, the region gets about 36 inches of rain per year. While some years exceed this amount and others fall short, 36 inches remains the historical norm. So far this “rain year,” we’ve accumulated 43 inches, which puts us 15% over the expected total! Just this past month we received 12 inches! We had localized flooding on a few occasions and on February 4th San Francisco broke a record for most rain in a single day going back to 1887!

This was Ross Rd. on February 4th, just down the street from the winery!

Having a substantial rain year is a huge relief to the 1,800 grape growers and 500 wineries we have here in Sonoma County. It’s one less thing we must worry about as we get into the 2025 growing season. When we have a rainy year like this, besides charging the soils with ample water it helps keep the timing of bud break on a good timeline. Last year bud break was on March 27th. This year is looking to be on a similar timeline.

Awaiting Bud Break and Frost Season

Here at River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, in the heart of the Russian River Valley, we’re always in tune with the changing seasons, especially as we wait for our vines to shake off their winter slumber. This year, with its unique conditions, we’re expecting bud break to occur around the end of March, though it really depends on the soil moisture and temperatures. Right now, we’re keeping a close eye on the buds, which will gradually swell and transform from their tight, dormant state to a soft, popcorn-like texture before the first delicate green leaves unfurl.

Storm clouds over our Estate Vineyard.

Once those young leaves appear, we enter what we call our “frost season,” a crucial period when the tender vines are most vulnerable to freezing temperatures. This is a time of great care for us, as frost damage can significantly impact the size and quality of our crop. To prepare, we’re already checking that our overhead frost protection sprinklers and water lines are clear and working properly. Frost season usually runs from bud break through April and sometimes stretches into May. During this time, we keep a close watch on the weather. When temperatures dip to critical levels, our alert system triggers, and a member of our team rushes to the vineyard to activate the frost protection pumps. In a particularly cold year, this can mean nightly checks. Last year’s frost season was a mild one. We are hoping for a similar one this year!

On behalf of the entire team here at River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, we wish you all continued good health!

Be Well,