Learning in the Vineyard: Bud Break

An advantage to working at a winery is learning more about the grape growing and winemaking process. What better way to spend a sunny, Spring afternoon than traveling around the vineyard with the 2 winemakers at Boxwood Winery?!

We stopped at rows for each of the 5 varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. I learned some characteristics about the buds/leaves as well.

Cabernet Sauvignon is the last to bud and the last to be harvested. 

Merlot leaves are said to have a "big tongue", a large, wide leaf  

Petit Verdot has a whitish film on the back of the leaves

Malbec has a very distinct, round leaf shape which helps to recognize this varietal.