We have bud break!

Can you believe it? Winter is fading to spring and the warm weather in WC last week has brought renewed life to my vines. The buds have been swelling for about 3 weeks and finally, last Saturday, many had broken through. Work in the vineyard has resumed; spreading manure between the vines, cutting back last years buds (I leave 2-3 nodes on the vine now and may cut back more as the vines become more vigorous), tightening the trellising and just taking in the fresh spring air. It is also time to get the garden planted. I can taste the homegrown tomato's, balsamic vinegar, mozzarella cheese and of course last years vino and a cigar! That's livin".