Wines I'm Making: Grapes in Bloom (May 17, 2013)

The grapes in the yard are now in bloom. "In bloom" seems too grand a description--grape flowers are small, green, and inconspicuous--but the plants are, indeed, blooming. Each little spidery flower will become a grape later in the season. This year the weather has been cool and dry and we anticipate no rain in the coming week, so I'm hoping fruit set will be good. The photo shows Cabernet Sauvignon flowers.   Notice the small bunch on the right that is still just buds. The white powder on the leaves at left is sulfur, sprayed to prevent mold. So far, I've sprayed twice this year.