Bud Break 2013

The warm winter has been followed with a warm May, at least fro the first two weeks that have averaged about 13.5c.  With the warm weather we've got bud break on some varieties at least a week ahead of normal. We have also been able to see what varieties are looking well going forward in to bloom and what varieties don't seem to do well at our site.  Again Petite Milo is most advanced, followed by Lucy Kuhlman, Acadie, Foch, Leon Millot, and Colmar.  The Ravat is slower to emerge and it appears that it is just the way this vine grows and probably gets this from its Chardonnay parentage.

The varieties that are doing well are Leon Millot, Ravat 34, Acadie Blanc, Evangeline, Lucy Kuhlman, Marechal Foch.  St. Croix and Vandal Cliché look like they are going to be good but are only into year two.  The varieties that were not sure about yet are Marquette, Castel, Joffre, Triomphe, Baltica, Seyval Blanc, Colmar Precoce Noir.  The varieites that are not performing well are Regent, Zweigelt and Pinot Noir.  We also had Agria a few years back but it performed poorly - a lot like Regent.

Here are some of the varieties as of May 19th, 2013.

Ravat 34 (2 clusters|) compare to last year this time http://houseofvines.blogspot.ca/2012_05_01_archive.html

Petite Milo (2 clusters) compare to last year this time http://houseofvines.blogspot.ca/2012_05_01_archive.html

Acadie Blanc (3 clusters)

Evangeline (1 cluster)

Colmar Precoce Noir (2 clusters)

Leon Millot (1 cluster here, usually has 2 clusters)

                              If we get by the next week without a frost were are well on our way.