The annual life cycle of the grape vine begins in the fall immediately after the previous year's harvest. After harvest the vine stores energy. As the vines lose their leaves and go dormant, the vineyard manager's primary tasks are pruning the vines and protecting them from cold temperatures.

Weeping

As temperatures rise in early spring, sap begins to concentrate where the canes were pruned. Known as weeping, this is the precursor to all of the vine’s growth during the coming season. The ground temperature must be at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit for the process to start. This is the first step in the annual life cycle of the vine.

Budbreak

After the vine pools its energy, budbreak occurs. On the west coast, this usually happens sometime in April or early May. Budbreak is a vulnerable time in the annual life cycle of the vine. Spring frosts can be particularly damaging.

Click here or on the image above for photos of Budbreak

Click here to learn about Early Grape Development.