Christmas at Sampson Valley Vineyard

Finally got out to the vineyard this weekend. The first time since November. After having a couple of cold snaps (-2F was the coldest), we have been basking in the mid 30's for the last couple of days.

The Park Vineyard:

Things looking good so far. Things seemed to harden off well, and the deer haven't disturbed things as far as I can tell.

Since I will need to replace some of the foch that didn't make it, I cut about a dozen grape cuttings to attempt to root them. This is my first attempt at rooting, "Sticks" so it should be interesting. I have Lon Rombough's "the Grape Grower" to guide me.

Other wise everything is looking healthy there.





The Pit Vineyard:


The pit vineyard is still snuggly tucked under the tarps. I noticed that the tarps looked a little flatter than I expected. I thought the vines would be holding the tarps up more, but I don't think any harm was done. The warm weather the last few days is making a heavy wet blanket I'm sure. James was right, the north end did have about 10 feet of the top tarp layer pulled up, but I think the lower tarp was still in place.

I probably won't get back to the vineyard until sometime in January or February.

8 glorious inches of snow

Over the past few days we had about 8 inches of snow at the vineyard. Adding to the fluffy 4 already on the ground, the total is a healthy 12 inches.

All of this is very good for protecting the vines. We have not had any warm snaps lately this is great for maintaining the cold hardiness of the vines.

James mentioned that a few feet of the tarp may have come up on the north end of the pit vineyard. No need to worry with the snow cover. Temperatures should stay pretty steady in teens and 20's over the next week. So all is good.

It's getting cold!

We have had several nights lately where the temperatures have been in 0F range. We got to -1 F at my house here in Madison.

Just talked to my brother James, and it was down to -2F at the vineyard. Hope the experimental vinifera are snug and warm under their blanket ... well warmer anyways.