After the grapevines flower, the grape berry clusters being to form on the vines. Still immature and green, the berries will continue to gain in size, and the march is on to harvest. Grapevines thrive on warm summer temperatures with cooler night temperatures. In a few weeks the grape berries will begin to change color which is called verasion, and the onset of the ripening of the grapes. At Domaine de Manion, once the berries begin verasion, we estimate we are about six weeks away from harvest.

I love the look of the vineyard this time of year because the vines are full, flowing in the wind, and unbridled. With the onset of verasion, we have to net each vineyard row and clip the nets together using clothespins. Birds and other wildlife will be eager to eat the grape clusters as the grapes continue to ripen and their sugar (brix) rises.

Bon Appétit and Bon Weekend….Bonnie