It is Spring in Napa!
The shoots in our O’Connell Family Estate Cabernet Sauvignon vines in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley are getting ready to burst open. The sleepy vines are yawing and stretching ready for their dramatic appearance. But we are anxiously watching the Napa Valley weather in the Oak Knoll District appellation daily because an early morning frost causes serious damage and loss of our future Cabernet Sauvignon fruit. I hear the fans going off at 4 am and rush out at daybreak to check my little ones! This lasts through April. Then we have passed through a critical moment.
Bud Break in the Oak Knoll District of Napa
Some neighboring Oak Knoll District vineyards use overhead sprinklers to cover the buds with ice which actually protects them from going below freezing. The downside is use of water. In a year of intense rains, no problem. But I most years not do good as it starts to drain Napa Valley reservoirs with water needed for fall vineyard irrigation.
Farming in Napa Valley has its fair share of drama! But we love it!
We look forward to keeping you updated on our Estate Vineyard this spring. We hope you come and visit us soon at our Gabrielle Collection taste + experience in Downtown Napa.