Vineyards are in a delicate phase between budbreak and bloom, when growers hope for perfect spring weather. Any extremes in heat or cold or moisture can create challenges for growers related to vineyard management and quality fruit production.
Growers are also managing the growth of the vines. This can involve a process called "head suckering," meaning that workers are removing shoots and spurs in the upper parts of vines. Growers want to leave the strongest shoots on the vine, but want to thin out excessive vegetation. This allows each vine to concentrate its energy on producing the fruit. Suckering also reduces the places where vine pests can make their homes - another way that Napa Valley growers sustainably manage their vineyards.
Vineyards crews are busy with handwork, which includes moving trellis wires to support key shoots, and replanting. Nurseries and greenhouses in Napa are busy, providing vineyards with rootstocks, benchgrafts, and "green growing" vines for the plantings and replantings that are common this time of year.