This week began one of the most important vineyard activities of year, grape bloom/flowering. Did you know that grapes make flowers?  Above you see a picture in the vineyard of one of the flowers of grapes. Right now this is a cluster of grape flowers or blooms that will turn into a cluster of grapes. It is very important that we have a good weather in the vineyard through this blooming process so that we get good fertilization of each of the flowers so that we have full clusters of grapes. If we do not get good fertilization in the vineyard on the grape flowers we will not get full clusters of grapes which changes the way the grapes taste and this can translate into different flavors and mouth-feel balance in the final wine. Equally important to having full clusters of grapes is the volume of wine that we are able to produce. This is because we have already determined the number of clusters that we want the vineyard and each vine to carry. This is done during the pruning process that takes place in March and April.

If you are interested in learning more about the vineyard and grape flowering process or any of the practices of vineyard work and growing grapes stop in and talk with Wendy and I. We are always enthusiastic to talk about growing wine grapes. You can even bring a group of friends for a group vineyard tour and take a winery tour. After the tour you can do a wine flight, wine and chocolate pairing or wine and cheese pairing. We have winery tour packages available, private group wine tastings which include a full vineyard tour, winery tour followed by a private sit-down wine, cheese and chocolate pairing (call or email  Wendy for reservations (608)-883-2100 Wendy@stallerestate.com.

We look forward to pouring you a great winery experience!!