Harvest 2011 Is In The Books!

The early part of the 2011 growing season was marked by a prolonged La Nina cycle, which brought cooler than average temperatures to the Pacific Northwest. As a result, the North Willamette Valley experienced cooler than average temperatures in the spring and early summer, which delayed both bud break and flowering. Bud break occurred in early April, followed by bloom in late June through early July. Cooler than average temperatures persisted in the summer, but under very pleasant and dry conditions. The La Nina cycle began to subside in the middle of the summer and veraison (the onset of color change) took place during the latter portion of August. Conditions in September were nearly picture perfect for ripening, with above average temperatures and dry conditions. The first half of October was fairly wet, but true Indian Summer conditions rolled in during the second half of the month and allowed for a protracted finish to the growing season. - Erik Kramer, Winemaker