SW vines bud early
Vines in Margaret River have started budding earlier than expected this year as warmer days hit the region during winter and early spring.
Selected vines in the Margaret River region, particularly chardonnay vines have been affected, according to Watershed Premium Wines viticulturist Leonard Russell.
“Yes, chardonnay has burst over one to two weeks earlier than it normally does and that’s due to some warmer weather in July, Augusta – that’s what kind of kicked it on, ” he said.
“There was three-to-five days there when the ground temperature was above 16 degrees and that causes the chardonnay in particular to burst.”
The early onset of budding for many vines meant the shoots were more susceptible to storms in the coming months.
The shoots were also more susceptible to infections including botrytis, which damages the developing bunches, which Mr Russell said resulted in fewer products when harvested.
He added there was still a “long race” to run between now and harvest, with many other factors influencing the outcome.
Mr Russell said this year looked similar to harvests in 2008 and 2009 which he said were both good years.
