It’s been a cool spring, but as summer quickly approaches, temperatures were on the rise during the first week in June.
Central Coast growers said the vines are happy with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, but Sunday when the temperatures reach triple digits — that’s a different story.
“Like a week ago these vines were yellow, because we didn’t have enough sun,” said Josh Beckett owner peachy canyon.
For the past few days the sun has been out in North County, so the green vibrant colors have shown up too.
“This is super exciting especially where we are standing in the Templeton gap. Where its definitely been a lot cooler, so it’s been slow going,” said Beckett.
Now it’s hot and things are kicking into gear. The vines are growing fast, but heat can sometimes cause stress to the plants.
“Right now is a crucial time because we are in a bloom time. What they don’t want is a hot hot temperature because it wipes them out,” said Chelsea Henry, General Manager, San Antonio Winery.
However, Beckett remains optimistic about this years crop.
“We had such a great rainy season that I am not too worried about. There’s plenty of water and moisture in the soil,” he said.
What a wet spring means for the local wine industry is more fruit — and more work.
“We are going have a lot more vigor with wines throwing a lot more fruit. They are already big and we are just getting going. I was out in a vineyard today where the growth is twice the size it’s been in about eight years,” explained Beckett. “I hope everyone focuses on quality over quantity.”
