Note from Jo ~

Bud break and spring break seemed a bit ahead of schedule this year.

Early January started the first round of pruning in the vineyards, prior to bud break. The seemingly non-stop rain prolonged pruning, with completion by mid February.  The final week of February and first few days of March brought a brief glimpse of spring – some 70-degree “plus” weather!  A present from my son, a sweatshirt, arrived on March 4.

With the temperature (at 6:30 in the evening) being 78 degrees, I chuckled, thinking it would never be worn until fall.  The next morning brought temperatures of 34 degrees and thick fog.  Initial bud break for most vineyards began the second week of March.  Cooler weather and more rain followed, creating a minor amount of concern regarding frost.

Anticipating our daughter’s trek home for spring break, linens were freshened, adequate laundry soap was purchased, and the pantry was stocked with her favorite items.  I chatted with her about upcoming exams, told her about a wine club member who planned an elaborate surprise to propose to his girlfriend at the winery, and gave motherly reminders to drive safely.  The week before she was to travel home, we received a phone call from her roommate.

“Hi Mr. Dayoan.  This is Alisha, Leia’s roommate…” (Mild amount of parental panic.)

“… and I had to take her to the emergency room.” (Parental panic escalates.)

She severely dislocated her kneecap during a workout (left leg thank goodness).  Unable to cope with the pain, waiting for her roommate to alert gym staff and call 9-1-1, our daughter popped her kneecap back into place.  Informing us later that our money had been well spent so far on college, she declared “My anatomy and physiology classes came in handy!  I would have never attempted to pop it back in if I hadn’t taken those courses.”

Spring break has come and gone.  Vineyards in the valley have completed the metamorphosis of bud break, fruit is set, and we enthusiastically look forward to the remainder of the growing season. Come visit, raise a glass, and watch the vines magically transform before your eyes.

Jo Dayoan
Wine Club Coordinator