Winter is upon us and Sonoma is experiencing one of the warmest and driest I can remember! The vineyards are sleeping, most are in the tender hands of pruners, getting the winter haircut in preparation for next spring. There is a tendency to romanticize grape growing, but at the end of the day it is farming 101. So what does no rain mean for the vineyards and the farmers who tend them? Careful pruning to limit the bud burst and fruit set in the spring, so that the vines don’t expend too much energy in the early months, this helps to limit the water required during the early part of summer, especially for vines that are well established with deep roots. Limited bud burst and fruit set hopefully means concentrated fruit that ripens and produces intense concentrated wines.
Now is a great time to visit Sonoma County. Things are a bit quieter in the tasting rooms as well as in the vineyard. Restaurants are able to fit you in for that last minute reservation and our big full bodied Cabernets and Zinfandels are a perfect match with the chilly winter weather and warming comfort food. There are fun events like the upcoming Barrel Tasting and local businesses like RELISH CULINARY have Mushroom Foraging classes, Pig Butchery and Cheese making. The Farmers Markets still have great produce and arts and crafts, and Events like Pig and Pinot to keep everyone smiling through those winter months.
So don’t wait for spring! Visit Sonoma now!