Tag Napa Valley

(Bud)breaking It Down: The Lifecycle of a Grapevine

Grapevine in a Napa Valley vineyard undergoing budbreak with new green shoots

Bud break--the first signs of tiny green leaves peeking out from bare vines mean spring’s official arrival in wine country. It marks the very start of the wine magic that ends in your glass. So, what happens next? Let’s walk through the full grapevine lifecycle—starting right now in early spring—and see what the vines are up to each step of the way.

Chenin Blanc: From the Loire with Love

Depending on how it’s made, Chenin Blanc can take on wildly different personas. It can be crisp and mineral-driven, lush and fruit-forward, or even show up in rich and honeyed dessert wines, thanks to its susceptibility to noble rot (botrytis). Oh, and did I mention it can sparkle? Because it absolutely can. Pop the cork, pour a glass, and let’s get into it.

VLV Readers are Drinking and Thinking About

Who’s Who? Pinot Grigio v. Pinot Gris v. Pinot Blanc
Grapevine in a Napa Valley vineyard undergoing budbreak with new green shoots
(Bud)breaking It Down: The Lifecycle of a Grapevine
Couple on a wine tour in the willamette valley
Willamette You Be Mine? A Walk Through Oregon Wine Country
Photo of a cherry blossom tree in bloom
Say it With Flowers: A Guide to Floral Wines