We weren’t sure how to title this blog, but considering the positive forecast for the rest of June, we decided on the above rather than: “Rain, Rain Go Away.”  We can’t sufficiently stress how annoyingly wet the spring weather has been this year in the Pac NW (those of you living in the area are probably nodding your head right now).  Our sometimes dismal climate can be a real threat.  Nothing influences crop yield in the vineyard on an annual basis more than inclement weather.  Cold, rain, clouds, and hail during bloom can really minimize the amount of fruit that will set for the year.  Poor weather this time of year also increases the risk of vines contracting fungal diseases.  Neil, who manages our warehouse and maintains all of our equipment, is our dedicated tractor driver and therefore dedicated fungicide sprayer.  This season, he has put out five fungicide sprays for Powdery Mildew.  In spite of Mother Nature’s wicked wrath, we’ve had a fairly productive spring season in the vineyard.  All of the vines have had their suckers and secondary shoots removed and catch wires have been raised to support the rapid Spring growth.  The vines look consistently strong; with all the water they’ve gotten, they seem to be moving along rather quickly as we prepare for Bloom.  Warm sunny weather really aids in the development and rapid pollination of the inflorescence that will turn into grapes.   So, the good news is that it looks like we may be breaking out of our bad weather pattern just in time for the flowering to begin.