Spring Update

Although spring officially began on March 20th, we’re all still waiting for it to truly feel like spring! This past March has been a roller coaster of both winter and spring like weather. Our rain totals so far are just over forty-seven inches. The good news is we’ve far exceeded the historical average of thirty-six.

We are grateful that this year’s rainstorms were evenly spread out and didn’t lead to major flooding. While we’ve seen localized flooding and other weather-related issues, the Russian River has thankfully remained below flood stage. This has been a major relief for communities along the river, where flooding can cause significant damage to homes and businesses.

Here we have a bud swelling, getting ready to open for Spring.

Across Sonoma County, the average temperatures have kept bud break right in-line with historical norms. This year at our Estate Vineyard we experienced bud break on the 24th vs the 18th last year. The historic norm is right around the 20th. This is beneficial vs. an early bud break, as early bud break leaves young shoots more vulnerable to frost damage in March and April. A normal timed bud break this year will not only help protect the vines from cold temperatures but also improve the overall quality of the grapes by allowing them to ripen longer on the vine.

Here we have a bud just opening!

Frost Protection in the Vineyard

With new buds having just emerged, we are keeping a close eye on nighttime temperatures. If they drop below 32°F, frost damage becomes a real concern. There are a few ways vineyards protect their young shoots, and while some traditional methods are still in use, more modern techniques have become the standard.

One older method involves placing large candles or “bougies” throughout the vineyard. This has been used in Europe for decades and can be effective, but it requires hundreds of candles per acre and is extremely labor-intensive.

In Sonoma County, the two most common frost protection methods are wind fans and water sprinklers. Wind fans work by mixing the cold air near the ground with slightly warmer air above, helping to prevent frost from settling on the vines. However, if temperatures drop too low, the fans become less effective, as they can only circulate the existing cold air rather than warming it.

Finally we have a fully emerged bud ready to start the 2025 growing season!

At our estate vineyard, we use the water sprinkler method, which is considered the most reliable of the three. This technique requires access to a steady water supply, which we have thanks to our use of recycled water from our local water municipality. While it might seem counterintuitive, spraying water on the vines actually protects them. When the water freezes, it forms a thin layer of ice around the buds, keeping them insulated at 32°F. This prevents them from dropping to even lower, more damaging temperatures.

As we navigate the transition from winter to spring, we remain focused on protecting our vines and ensuring the best possible growing season ahead.

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