Just as NASA has lift off, at the beginning of a space flight, we have bud break, at the beginning of the grape growing season; it’s springtime in the valley, the time of new life and new growth.

According to Dean Underwood, our vineyard manager ,the first open buds emerged for 2009,on April 20th; for 2008 bud break was April 18th, 2007 April 6th, and in 2006 April 4th. This year’s bud break marks the latest in the history of the Willamette Valley.

The importance of bud break is, it dictates the bloom usually 60 days later; from the bloom develops the grape, then in about three to four months, comes the harvest. According to Dean even though bud break is later than normal the ERF (Extended Range Forecasting) is predicting a warmer than normal spring and summer which will even up the bud breaks and maturation of the vines. It looks like we will have ideal conditions to create more award winning wines for our Viridian label.

Remember, Olsen Family Vineyards will be hosting its annual Memorial Weekend tastings May 23rd, 24th, and 25th, 11am to 5pm, at the pavilion located at 8930 Suver Road, Monmouth, Oregon, 97361. Join Olsen Family Vineyards as they celebrate the presentation of new vintages. You won’t want to miss it…surprises abound!! Details to follow!!