Black Spanish grapes
Black Spanish grapes video showing how the vines are loaded with grapes.
Putting the bird netting up
The Blanc Dubois is going through veraison as well, but because they are white grapes, its hard to tell. They will turn golden yellow soon. Brix is 14 on the ripest berries.
Bird netting is up!
I learned last year to close the bottom of the nets tightly. Between the birds and the raccoons they will get in the smallest gaps.
Veraison in the vineyard
All the grapes are starting to ripen and time to put the bird netting up! The Black Spanish grapes below are by far the largest clusters with small berries. Brix is 13 on the ripest berries.
These Lomanto grapes have much larger berries and ripen the earliest in the vineyard. These pics show the grapes last to change on this vine. Brix is 15 on the ripest berries.
Preventing the birds from getting these grapes
The birds got all the Lomanto grapes, so I’m going to put the bird nets on the Black Spanish.
The nets are on! They still might be able to get to some of them, but hopefully I can protect the majority. Tucked and pined nice and neatly on the bottom so they can’t get in that way.
The Birds the Birds…
I was so looking forward to testing the sugar levels in the Lomanto grapes today, but the birds beat me to it. I only let a few bunches grow this year, but all were stripped clean. Here is what was left…
Black Spanish Grapes Starting veraison!
Black Spanish starting to change just a bit (2 berries in this cluster).
Pulled many leaves so air can circulate better and sun can reach the grapes and wood for next years crop.
Most vines have made the trip down both sides of the wire (3-4′ both sides of the trunk). The ends have been snipped off so the shoots/canes for next year’s growth will grow in the middle of the cordon.
Black Spanish and Lomanto Grape updates
Lomanto (left) are looking nice. Brix of 15 so far. No color change on Black Spanish (right). Much smaller berries but large clusters.
Lomanto Grapes going through veraison (onset of ripening)
Lomanto grapes starting to ripen!
Removed the growth tubes today and trimmed all the suckers and random growth from vines. Most of the new vines have all reached the top wire and have been snipped just above the wire. Two laterals heading down each side of the wire.
Nobel Muscadines are doing well.
Before and After
Lasterday Wines 
Recent Comments