Arrow Lakes Vineyard grape update Aug 2

So we are about a month since flowering and the fruit set was better on some varieties than others and the month of July was very hot averaging about 21.3c which is the hottest July we have recorded.  We have also had very little rain only recording about 2cm since the first week of July so the berries are not growing as big as they should.  Unfortunately there is not rain in sight for the next 2 weeks.  More and more we are leaning towards irrigation as we have consistently recorded a dry spell each summer from about the 2nd week of July until early September and this is when the grapes need the moisture to put on the weight and for proper development.

In any event the grapes are comming along and each season presents its challenges.  here are photos of some of the varieties as of August 2nd.
Ravat 34

 Acadie

 Castel (thin)

 Evangeline

 Foch

 Leon Millot

 Petite Millot