Seasons in the vineyards

Photos of the different seasons in Sonoma County vineyards.

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Winter is the season of dormancy and pruning off last season's wood. Pruning determines how much growth you get for the next two years.

Late winter in Sonoma Valley

As the soil warms new buds swell and shoots begin to grow. Bud break is when growers worry about frost damage to the tender green growth. Flowering follows in late spring.

Early spring in Russian River Valley

Summer is about the growth of the grapes then ripening (sugar production).

Summer in Bennett Valley

Late summer and early autumn is the time of harvest. All the work and decisions in the vineyards  for the past year pay off now -- with hard work and decisions in the cellar.

Autumn in Dry Creek Valley