Just a few days ago the evening temperatures dropped to the mid thirties and the day struggled to reach the fifties. The wood stove had a fire burning all day. The rain continued for the third day and I wondered if Spring would put in a showing this year. My grape vines were reluctant to spring forth, they’d rather stay in a tight bud. Then all of a sudden the weather changed, which isn’t uncommon. But this change was dramatic. From the ten to fifteen degrees below average temperatures for months, we soared to the nineties for days. Trees in the region responded with a showcase of leaves while flowering trees exploded with colors. My Dornfelder, who just days ago was more interested in sleeping, now began to reach for sunlight.

My interest in wine during this stint in the ninety degree temperatures also changed. All of a sudden I seem to crave a citrusy white wine. What happened to Spring? We are having July and August temperatures in late April. Of course it feels better now, because we haven’t thawed out from the winter, than it will during the summer. I’m happy to see the grape vines leafing forth, jealous of the vines in Temecula that were springing forth in late February. Now I looking forward to the long summer days watching my grapes grow and thinking of the possibilities of winemaking in the fall.