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Cook Vineyward Weekly Newsletter 5.29.12

Most of the vineyards are in full bloom. This is a great time to take petiole samples in the vineyards.

The petiole is the stem of the leaf that is best used for sampling due to the movement of nutrients to and from the leaves. When taking these samples there are a few guidelines to follow. First of all one should collect around fifty petioles per sampled block. The leaf on the opposite side of the fruit cluster of the shoot gives the best results of what nutrients are available in the fruiting zone. Many laboratories ask for the petiole and leaf samples to be gathered together, but separated in the same container.

Why do we take petiole and leaf samples?

Every year during bloom we take these samples which are like a snapshot in time that we can compare year after year. There are nutrients that can be added to help balance out the vine and help it along during the growing season. A healthy grapevine will produce healthy fruit and need all the nutrients available in this process.

So far this year has been a great growing season and we are on track for having a great season. Even though the wind has been a bit annoying we have seen little damage and consider it a non issue so far.

If anyone wants to visit us in the vineyards to learn more about the world of viticulture, please call us at 707.490.8921. Also check our website  www.cvmgrapes.com.