Life is beginning to quicken its steps in Oregon Pinot Noir Country. On Youngberg Hill we are taking the first steps towards canopy management with the raising of catch wires. We are also watching closely as bloom gets under way. The cooler rainy weather seems to be all but behind us and not only are we looking forward to sunshine, but warmer temperatures, which will get the vines growing double time. I think we have plenty of moisture to last through the season.

We are training the new vines in the Camelot block, tying them to pencil rods to develop the stalk. In the meantime, we are mowing the grasses and cover crops that seem somehow to grow five times as fast as the vines. And we are also hoeing between the plants to eliminate the weeds and grass in the row. Busy times on the farm.