As the days grow longer and the temperatures begin to rise, an exciting transformation is taking place in our vineyards—bud break has arrived! This marks the official start of the 2025 vintage, a crucial and delicate moment in the lifecycle of our vines.
For our winemaking team, this is one of the most thrilling times of the year. After months of dormancy, the vines are waking up, and we begin to see the first tiny buds unfurling along the canes, setting the stage for the upcoming growing season. With careful vineyard management and a little help from Mother Nature, we’re hopeful for a smooth spring that will lead us seamlessly into the next phase of the growing cycle.
The Science Behind Bud Break
Bud break is a fascinating process driven by a combination of environmental cues and the vine’s internal clock. Throughout winter, the vines remain dormant, conserving energy while storing carbohydrates in their trunks and roots. As temperatures gradually increase and daylight hours extend, the stored energy is used to push nutrients upward, coaxing the first buds to break open and reveal tiny, vibrant green leaves.
This transition doesn’t happen overnight—temperature thresholds must be met for the vines to awaken, typically occurring when soil temperatures reach around 50°F. Each grape variety reacts slightly differently, with some emerging sooner than others. In our Temecula Valley vineyards, we see early-ripening varietals like Viognier and Pinot Grigio pushing through first, while later-ripening reds like Cabernet Sauvignon take a bit longer to emerge.
What Bud Break Means for the 2025 Vintage
Bud break signals the beginning of a months-long journey toward harvest, and everything from this point forward plays a role in shaping the final wines of the vintage. Our goal is to provide the best possible environment for the young shoots to thrive while safeguarding them from any potential threats that could impact their development.
One of our biggest concerns during this early stage is spring frost. A sudden cold snap can damage the delicate buds, impacting yields later in the season. While Temecula Valley’s warm climate generally protects us from severe frost, we remain vigilant, keeping an eye on weather patterns and employing protective strategies if needed.
Another critical focus is vineyard nutrition and pruning techniques. Our team carefully monitors soil conditions, adjusting nutrient levels as necessary to encourage balanced growth. Proper pruning and canopy management will be key in ensuring that the vines channel their energy efficiently, producing fruit with optimal concentration and character.
Looking Ahead: The Path to a Promising Vintage
As the 2025 vintage begins to take shape, we’re filled with anticipation for what’s to come. A smooth spring, followed by a steady, warm summer with cool nights, will give us the perfect conditions to develop complex, flavorful fruit. While there are many steps ahead—flowering, fruit set, veraison, and finally, harvest—each phase is a reminder of the artistry and patience required in winemaking.
For now, we’re celebrating the start of a new growing season, grateful for the opportunity to nurture these vines from bud break to bottle. Over the coming months, we’ll be closely monitoring their progress, ensuring that every step brings us closer to another exceptional vintage.
We invite you to visit the winery during this special time and witness the beauty of bud break firsthand. Walk through the vineyards, see the vibrant green shoots reaching for the sun, and raise a glass to the start of the 2025 vintage.
Cheers to a new season of winemaking!