The Wettest Winter on Record!

This winter in California has surely caught many by surprise, as what was forecast by climatologists to be a warm and dry December, January, and February has turned in to one of the wettest winters on record. For this, we have volcanoes to thanks! No joke. Even though the ocean temperatures and oscillations were not in favor of a wet winter, more volcanic activity than usual on the Kamchatka peninsula and in the Aleutians put enough particulate matter in to the atmosphere to help create some seriously wet storms.

I often get asked what effect all this water will have on the growing season. It's important to remember that the vines are dormant currently. When they wake from their slumber, they really only "notice" whether the soil profile is full of water, or less than full. These conditions just prior to bud break are pivotal in determining vine growth and even potential fruitfulness for future years. Vines are smart - they know what resources are available and react accordingly.

This year, obviously, there are plenty of resources. This is great for Clockspring, given our dedication to dry farming and minimal irrigation. The abundant soil moisture will allow for healthy growth in the spring and will sustain the vines through the heat of summer. We look forward to a successful 2017 vintage, thanks in large part to the volcanoes!