Summer in the vines means they are all tucked in. Ready to bask like a tanning guru on a beach towel in the summer sun. Job done. (Hoooo-Ray!!)
The next couple months the currently tiny grapes will grow and grow (hopefully) and by late August or September reach their fruition here. The hot sun of the day will aid in their growth but also their ripening. Their sweetness will depend on the sun.
Lots of sun brings on the flavours and sugars in the fruit, not so much sun means less. Viticulturists (like botanists, but specific to vineyards) will hope for long sunny days now, and little to no rain until harvest. Particularly the closer we get to harvest.
It will be interesting to see if this summer is going to cooperate. Such are the vagaries of wine making. This next week we are having another heat wave and temperatures are expected to reach 39 degrees (102 F) throughout the week. After which, we are to return to normal and comfortable summer temperatures. Thunder storms are threatened as the weather shows off with little tantrums of not wishing to settle into the expected. My garden will love it, if not the sun worshipping grapes.
More about seasonal work in the vineyard:
What is done before the height of sumer : Tucking in the vines (June)
What we do to decide when harvest will be: When to Harvest the Grapes (August)
Shop Wine Lover Gifts
As wine makers ourselves, we are always on the search for interesting and unique and particularly French wine items for our vintage and antiques shop. Here’s a taste of some of the things we have found:
(If anything takes your fancy, simply click on the image to be taken to our shop.)