http://www.knightsbridgewinery.com/vineyard-journal/list/ May 21, 2013 May 21, 2013 Content Command CMS 5 http://www.knightsbridgewinery.com/vineyard-journal/#listitem26
  After the anticipation leading up to picking the fruit and the flurry of harvest, it's time for a respite in the vineyards as we take a step back and let nature take over. The vines are shutting down and losing their leaves so they can become dormant during the winter. We planted cover crops and laid down hay to help manage soil erosion, all in preparation for a new year and new vintages.]]> Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:56:00 MST http://www.knightsbridgewinery.com/vineyard-journal/#listitem26 http://www.knightsbridgewinery.com/vineyard-journal/#listitem25
 A cool season followed by the past few weeks of hot weather has resulted in harvest being a little later than usual. But things are looking - and tasting - very good. The Chardonnays have been picked. With the Cabernet Sauvignon fruit still ripening and developing its flavor, it looks like it will be early November before the Cab grapes are picked. With the wrapping up of this year's harvest, we begin focusing on next year's grapes. Toward the end of the month we will start preparing the property for winter by planting cover crops and taking measures to prevent soil erosion.]]> Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:55:00 MST http://www.knightsbridgewinery.com/vineyard-journal/#listitem25 http://www.knightsbridgewinery.com/vineyard-journal/#listitem24
 As we gear up for harvest, we are getting our year in order, sharpening our knives to cut the grape clusters, and spending time checking the progress of the grapes. We've had a cold year, until the last few weeks when temperatures reached 100 and above. With these high temperatures, the sugar can increase very fast and there is risk of dehydration. So we need to keep a tight watch. Within the next few weeks we'll bring in the Chardonnay fruit, with the Estate Cabernet coming in toward the end of October. The flavors are spectacular and we are very excited for harvest, always a hectic but thrilling time of year!]]> Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:55:00 MST http://www.knightsbridgewinery.com/vineyard-journal/#listitem24 http://www.knightsbridgewinery.com/vineyard-journal/#listitem23
August finds the vineyards going through verasion, which is the onset of ripening. This is a key transition period where the berries soften and the sugar starts to accumulate. We will monitor this accumulation and start to taste the grapes for their developing flavors. At the earliest, our whites could be harvested at the end of this month. Then starts the excitement of monitoring the fermenting wines to see how the 2010 vintage is taking shape. We'll keep you posted.]]> Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:53:00 MST http://www.knightsbridgewinery.com/vineyard-journal/#listitem23 http://www.knightsbridgewinery.com/vineyard-journal/#listitem22
As the summer heats up so does the growing process. We are currently experiencing ‘berry set’ in the vineyards. That’s where the grape clusters have been pollinated and are increasing to the size of peas. It’s also time to top the vines, which consists of removing the shoot tips and stopping the vegetative growth. Concurrently we are removing laterals and leaves and opening up the canopy to allow more light and air to get through to the grapes. It’s a very active and critical time for all of us in the fields and at the winery.]]> Wed, 08 Dec 2010 11:52:00 MST http://www.knightsbridgewinery.com/vineyard-journal/#listitem22