Bloom in Chardonnay at Weinbau VIneyard by Todd Chapman

Bloom has begun in the Columbia Valley. Todd Chapman, vineyard operations manager at Sagemoor Vineyards, noted bloom in Chardonnay at Weinbau Vineyard on the Wahluke Slope May 11.

Katie Nelson, vice president of winemaking at Chateau Ste. Michelle, noted bloom in Chardonnay at Snipes Mountain May 12 and subsequently across the broader Columbia Valley in Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. Others have noted bloom beginning this week in Cabernet Franc on Red Mountain and in the Rattlesnake Hills.

Overall, bloom this year is approximately 10 days ahead of recent historical averages. Bud burst was similarly ahead. (See a complete list of growing season markers since 2013.)

Bloom sets the calendar for the rest of the growing season. Harvest typically begins 100 to 110 days after bloom, depending on variety.

If so, harvest would be expected to begin this year in the Columbia Valley around mid-August. That said, the growing season is just beginning in earnest.

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