What’s Up with the Rain and the Grapes?

Each summer everyone asks,  “What is the effect of this rain on the grapes?” Is it good for the grapes?

Grapes grow fine in dry weather climates so the short answer is that the grapes don’t really need much rainfall. The longer answer is that more rainfall causes David and the vineyard workers to prune off a lot more excess foliage.

Secondly, we have to spray more often to keep away disease and this can increase our costs and takes more time.  Third, too much rainfall creates compaction of the soil when we drive the tractors in the vineyard. The excess rain can cause grapes to have more water at harvest and decreases the sugar levels. Once the grapes have gone through veraison and are gaining sugar, we hope to see less rain. Finally, really wet soil over a long period of time could drown our vines if they are not on well-drained soil. We hold our own even in rainy years and don’t usually see adverse effects on the grapes. The end of August, September and early October are the critical months so we hope for a changed weather pattern after dog days. We agree with most of you when we say, ‘Rain! Rain! Go away and come again another day!’