May has brought us through many changes in the vines. Due to the unusually early hot dry weather, the development is more advanced than in previous years. Each field has its own soil profile and micro climate even when they are literally only a few yards apart. I love seeing each parcel go through the stages of growth. The shoots are long and it is time to bloom.
A few short weeks ago you could see that the flowers had yet to open. 
Just as fruit trees bloom, then set the fruit, so do the vines. While the grape vine is flowering, the ideal climate is mild, wind-free days with no rain. The weather has been perfect.
When the vines are all in bloom, there is a light clean fragrance that is especially apparent in the morning. 
The newness of life.
The stage of fruit set follows flowering almost immediately. The set fruit looks like tiny green pearls. 
It is as if we are in charge of a 50 acre maternity ward. Such potential.
Traditionally there are 100 days between flowering and harvest. We look forward to the progression from fruit set to berry ripening and finally the harvest. The vines are simply amazing.
