Vine hardiness

Well it was a long winter, but finally towards the end of March we were able to get out, prune and assess any winter damage to the vines. In general the vines performed quite well over the winter with only a couple of losses. Using an arbitrary ranking system of 1 to 5, where 1 is the most "winter hardy" and sustained the least damage, a brief outline of our assessment is below.  For the most part the vines were pruned back to 2 buds which should provide better growth this year.

Reds:
48-05-83: low summer growth, sustained some winter damage and was pruned back to 2-buds.  Hardiness rank: 3

Labelle:  good summer growth, mainly pruned to 2 buds, but some canes were laid down for first cordon.  Hardiness rank: 2

Cab Libra: sustained winter damage to canes and was pruned back to 2-buds.  Hardiness rank: 4.5

Baco Noir: Very vigorous summer growth.  No real winter damage and some canes were laid down for first cordon.  Hardiness rank: 2

Zweigelt: Low summer growth. No real winter damage, pruned back to 2-buds.  Hardiness rank: 2

Leon Millet: good summer growth.  No real winter damage and some canes were laid down for first cordon.  Hardiness rank: 2.5

Pinot Noir (Cl. 115): Low summer growth. Some winter damage and pruned back to 2 buds.  Hardiness rank 2.5

Regent: Moderate summer growth, small amount of winter damage, mainly pruned back to 2 buds.  Hardiness rank: 2

Baltica: Very low summer growth.  No winter damage, pruned back to 2 buds.  Hardiness rank: 1

Marquette: Very low summer growth.  No winter damage, pruned back to 2 buds.  Hardiness rank: 1

Whites

Siegerrebbe: Good summer growth.  Some winter damage in middle cane area, pruned back to 2 buds.  Hardiness rank: 3

L'Acadia Blanc: Good summer growth.  Little or no winter damage, some canes laid down for first cordon.  Hardiness rank: 1

Ortega: Good summer growth.  Some winter damage in middle cane area, pruned back to 2 buds.  Hardiness rank: 3

Chardonnay (Cl 76): Good summer growth.  Winter damage on canes, some quite high up.  Pruned back to 2 buds.  Hardiness rank: 2

Oseolo Muscat: Good summer growth.  Very little winter damage.  Some canes laid down for first cordon.  Hardiness rank: 1

Auxerrois: Low summer growth. No real winter damage, but all vines pruned back to 2 buds.  Hardiness rank: 2

Mad Sylvaner: Good summer growth.  Some winter damage, all vines pruned to 2 buds.  Hardiness rank: 3

Mad Angevine: Good summer growth.  Some winter damage, all vines pruned to 2 buds.  Hardiness rank: 3

Petit Milo: Low summer growth. Some winter damage, all vines pruned to 2 buds. Hardiness rank: 2

Epicure: Good summer growth. Quite a bit of winter damage.  Hardiness rank: 4.5

48-05-49: Good summer growth. Quite a bit of winter damage.  Hardiness rank: 4.5

Two things we noted:

1) Winter damage seemed to be heavier in the low spots we have in the white rows.  The low spot provided a bit of a sink hole where the cool air accumulated and the evidence suggests it was enough to affect the vines in this area.

2) We also got hit with some powdery mildew so a heavy spray of lime sulfur was applied to kill any existing spores.

The next blog will outline some data on the stages of budding on each variety.

2013 Climate Study Results

Greetings all!  Quick note, our March 26 wine tasting event was postponed, new date to be determined.

As promised in my last blog below is be a presentation of the lasted results from our climate study.  Overall 2013 felt like a better year and a better growing season then 2012 and the numbers reflect that (good ole trick knee was right again!).  Again all our data is calculated over the growing season from April 1 to October 31.

A big shout out and Thanks to Jerome Goodman, fellow Burtonite, who took it upon himself to volunteer his time to take our hard data (and there is a lot, nearly 60,000 data points per unit!) and write a program to calculate all the data for us.

A few issues we discovered in our data collection.  We noticed that some of our data stopped in September (whhaaat?). Investigation into this revealed that our dataloggers were collecting data at too high of a rate (every 10 minutes) and the data capacity of the unit was exceeded and  the units stopped recording.  That seemed odd so we looked at our 2012 data and same thing - we just missed it last year.  Bugger!

So for the units that stopped we extrapolated the data from nearby units in a similar "zone" and re-calculated. We went back and did the same for the 2012 data.  

To make sure we do not have the issue again we re-visited every unit and re-set to collect data every 30 minutes (Thanks Volunteers!)  This solves the capacity issues, as well gives us way less data to sort through so makes interpretation easier as a bonus!  So with everything recalculated here is our growing degree numbers for 2012 and 2013.

Growing Degree Days (GDD)

Region	2011*	2012	2013
Nakusp	N/A	935	1074
Arrow Park	N/A	933	1059
Burton	N/A	1029	1139
Needles/Fauquier	N/A	1058	1144

 As a comparison Summerland BC for 2012 was 1333 GDD and 2013 was 1415 GDD.  

We also like to look at the Frost Free Days (FFD).  Frost occurs when the temperature of air falls below the freezing point of water (0 °C). This is usually measured at the height of 1 m above the ground surface. There is a rather subjective scale to show several degrees of frost severity:

·        slight frost: 0 to −2.0 °C

·        moderate frost: −2.1 to −6.5 °C

·        severe frost: −6.6 to −11.5 °C

·        very severe frost: below −11.5 °C

For our purposes we used “slight” frost as our parameter, using 0°C for our last spring frost and -2°C for our first fall frost.  Most grape varieties require approximately 140 FFD,  This was a change from 2012, so again we re-calculated the numbers.

Frost Free Days (FFD)

Region	2011*	2012	2013
Nakusp	N/A	148	170
Arrow Park	N/A	134	165
Burton	N/A	160	175
Needles/Fauquier	N/A	123	162

We also look at a few other parameter in the research plot.  While one year of data is not very representative, it is presented below. 

Location: 107 Burton Main Road	Min	Max	Average
Relative Humidity (%)	17.1	100	77.4
Solar Radiation (Watts/m2)	0.6	1147	157
Wind Speed (m/s)	0.0	4.03	1.2
Wind Direction	0.0	355.2	N/A
Leaf Wetness (%)	0.0	100	31

What doe sit all mean? The numbers for leaf wetness and relative humidity do suggest a wetter climate that could lead to moisture related diseases for some agriculture products (Surprise!).  In absence of wind aided drying, a higher attention to crop management would be required in these cases. 

The numbers for wind speed and wind direction suggest that the research plot is subject to winds that will provide some aid in drying canopies after rains, reducing the spread of moisture related disease or reducing extreme high temperatures and humidity (that is good!)

As very little information on solar radiation is available at this time, it is difficult to assess if the numbers are considered an asset to the growing product. (Stay tuned!)

So there it is.  If there are folks out there who read this and have one of our units on their property and want to see specific data on their site, post a comment back and we can look at getting it to you.

And oh, our Spring Workbee is April 19 at 9:00 AM if you can join us.

Next up: Spring pruning and winter damage.

Spring 2014

How the time flies!  Seems like we just wrapped up the vineyard for the winter and here it is nearing Spring already.  The vineyard seems to have survived the winter so far, although to be honest we have pretty much left it alone.

That does not mean we have not been busy.  There has been lots of meetings, funding applications submitted, discussion on when to prune and more importantly how hard to prune.  Vines that struggled or did not grow strong enough during year one will need to be pruned back to "2 buds" - essentially right back to the beginning.  Typically this is a result of the first year growth focused on root production instead of shoot production so our vines are not evenly grown or stunted.  We did have a number of varieties that grew quite well and we will start to train our first cordon and potentially let them fruit this year.  Very exciting!

We also have compiled our climate data from the 2013 data.  Overall 2013 was quite a bit better than 2012 with all regions seeing a significant bump in growing degree days and frost free days.  Details of this will be coming up in a future blog, so stay tuned.

Lastly, a little plug for a few upcoming events.

March 22 - ALGGS will be hosting a Red wine food pairing and tasting event in Burton.  This compliments the white wine event held last year and will be done just in time for the Rotary wine event.  Tickets will be available soon.

April 12 - ALGGS has been helping the Nakusp Rotary organize and deliver and wine tasting event.  This event will feature wine vendors from wineries of BC with approximately 16 wineries represented.  Tickets are going fast, so make sure you contact Rotary so you do not miss out.

Ucpoming Events

It has been a while since the last post as my daughters wedding has consumed most of my spare time this summer - not complaining though, as it was a fabulous way to spend time.

Soon I will provide some news and updates on the research vineyard itself - my attempt to break down by varieties and their performance in the first year.  For now though, just a few notes on some upcoming events.

September 7-
In conjunction with Burton City Daze, ALGGS will be selling breakfast sandwiches at the Gazebo in Burton Historical Park campground  in Burton 8AM to 10AM.  This was a successful fundraiser last year and now that the word is out about the fabulous breakfast (put together by the very talented Vivian Berry!) we expect it to be busier.

From 10AM to 12PM we will be providing tours of the research plot for any interested folks. You can come and ask questions, wander through or just look.

Lastly we will also be working with the Burton Learning Centre and serving a concession dinner (burgers, smokies etc) as well as chicken souvlaki and greek salad.  Dinner will be serving from 4PM to 8PM at the campground as well.  Please come out and support the event and make sure you stay for the beer garden and horseshoe tourney!

September 15
ALGGS members (Linda H and Jerry B) will be presenting tasting notes and wines for the Nakusp Soiree event (6PM to 9PM) at the Nakusp Community Hall.  Wine will be selected to pair with local chocolates and cheese.  Tickets are $30 each and for more information, contact the Nakusp Fall Fair.

September 21
Work Bee!  We will be having our last big work bee before winter.  A few items such as spreading the last of the mulch, tying vines, winterizing our "nursery" vines etc.  If you can make it, we will start around 9AM, with lunch and refreshments provided.

As you can see, a busy next few weeks.  Please come out and support in any way you can.  I should also note that we have a few wines left over to sell - but only until September 21 so get them quick!

Cheers

Updates

The last few posts have really been all about our vines that we planted and a few hopes we have.  While planting was a really big chore and feels like it should be  the end of all our work, it is not.  In fact it is really only the beginning.  Volunteers have been quite busy since June with a number of chores and tasks.

Irrigation: we are a fairly damp climate, and hopefully once the vines have been established we will not need to irrigate too much, but now when they are young, we do.  We went with a drip system as it is the best method and pretty simply to install.  Built-in emitters spaced every 18" and providing 0.5 gallons of water per hour.
We broke the vineyard into three zones so it takes a full day to water it all.

Bark Mulch: Plenty of volunteers showed up on mulching day and it went surprisingly fast due to the assistance of small bobcat that was able to scoop and dump strategically along the rows. Thanks Allan and Barbara!  We ran out towards the end, so we still have a few more partial rows to finish off.  I fear the mulch chore will be a yearly event, but for now it provides great weed control and moisture retention.

Weeding/Mowing:  The mulch works really well, evident by comparing the areas without to area with it.  But it is not perfect, so weed control around the vines and mowing is an on-going chore.

Vineyard Maintenance: - as the vines grow they tend to bend, twist and attached to just about anything so we have to continually "tie" the vines up to our stakes to ensure we get a nice straight stock, growing where we want them to.  This is also an going chore, with some vines really taking off and others a little slower.  Out of the 900ish vines we planted only 6 failed to produce shoots, which is amazing success rate.

This year we are all about root development and less about vigour.

So far all look healthy and green with no nutrient or disease concerns.  It may be a bit biased to say, but is there anything more wonderful to look at then a healthy looking vineyard after three+ years of research and planning?

Research Plot - Blattner Varieties

If you have been following along with the previous posts, there have been short discussions on 15 of the varieties we planted in our research plot.  The remaining 6 are part of the "Blattner" species, 3 white and 3 red.  This represents a new breed of grape that was created by Swiss grape geneticist Valentin Blattner by crossing Vinifera and other sub species.  The goal was to create a disease resistant plant and from all accounts this has been a success with varieties now grown in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, and Canada.  
The Blattner vines are really the domain of Omega Vines on Salt Spring Island and as they are quite new to vineyards, there is not a lot of information out there except what they have published.  Kudos to them for the great work.  

Whites
Petite Milo -  a complex cross of Cabernet Sauvignon, the American species Riperia and the Asian species Amurensis.  A very early ripening pink grape well suited for areas with high moisture periods. The grapes can achieve quite high sugar levels while retaining good acidity.

Epicure  - a complex cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and a number of Asian grape varieties. A mid season ripening white grape, with large clustered vines with small leaves and exceptional disease resistance. 

We also planted a new research white, simply called 48-05-49.  I tasted this before and if I recall it was quite similar to a viognier style. 

Reds

We planted Cab Libra, Labelle and another research type, 48-05-83.  All are early to mid-season ripening and with the same disease resistance consistent with the Blattner vines in general.  

That is what we planted.  Stay tuned over the next few years as we chart our progress with these varieties and offer tidbits of info that you may find interesting, useful or just laughable.

Research Plot - Vinifera and Hybrid Red Vareties

Okay It has been a while since my last post, but never the less here is a brief summary on some of the reds we planted.  We planted seven Vinifera and Hybrid types.  For those counting from the last post, that makes only 15 of the 21.  My next post will explain the remaining six "Blattner" types.

Baltica - a hybrid of four different species of grape Vitis; Amurensis, Labrusca, Riparia andVinifera.  Baltica ripens exceptionally early and is quite disease resistant, although it can suffer from post harvest powdery mildew in poor weather.

Baco Noir - a hybrid of Vinifera and Riparia with French origins.  An old species that dates back to to the late 1890's.  Originally brought to Canada in the 1950's, most of the vines were pulled out in the 1980s as part of a "vine pull" program.  Does quite well in cooler climates, with wine similar to a Pinot Noir.
Leon Millot - a hybrid of Vinifera and Riparia, created in early 1900's in Alsace, France.   Leon Millot ripens quite early, has good growth vigour and is highly resistant to fungal disease.  The grapes are quite small, making it difficult to harvest, but it can produce big flavour wines (compared to Syrah).  A relative to Marechal Foch.

Marquette - a complex hybrid, meaning many crosses of Vinifera and other Vitis species.   Really a new variety, only introduced in 2006.  Cold hardy, resistant to powdery mildew and black rot.  Produces a high sugar, moderate acid berry.  Some early wine entries have received rave reviews and we see this as a very promising red variety for the area.

Pinot Noir  - a Vinifera species.  We selected Clone 115 for our research as it consistently produces wines of impressive aroma, structure and balance from many different locations.  It tends to like cooler climates, but is fairly susceptible to most diseases, wind damage and frost.   Pinot is such a great wine we could not resist trying it in our research plot.  This vine is on root stock SO4, which makes it slightly more resistant to frost.

Regent - a hybrid of Vinifera and other Vitis species with German origins.  Has very good resistance to fungal diseases as well, but can susceptible to flower rot which can prevent fruit set if there is a lot of spring rains. Similar to Pinot Noir  in that it will require some management in the vineyard, but the potential it has might make it worth it.

Zweigelt -  a Vinifera species.  Developed as a cross between  Saint-Laurent and Blaufrankisch with German origins.  Zweigelt likes cooler temperatures and buds late so is ideal for areas with late spring frosts.  Personally a favourite red of mine that pairs real nice with turkey dinner.