Monitoring cyclical changes is critical. Many of the old, established vineyards have calendars going back centuries, with detailed records monitoring seasonal changes. Planning and operating a successful vineyard is a detailed, painstaking process for which there is no set of guidelines. Each year new factors, technologies and theories influence the volume and quality of wine produced. Hail will not only damage a current crop of grapes, but ruin the next year's as well.
Extreme hail bruises the grapevine itself and in certain cases can destroy an entire vineyard.
Not only does drought cause the vines to wither, but the reduction of moisture changes soil acidity, significantly altering the flavour of the wine. Too much rainfall, can cause the grapes to rot on the vine, making them unfit for wine production. Click on the season below to learn more about the specific requirements. This season is a critical period for grapes as is the timing of the harvest. Learn how even the dormant season affects the quality and flavour of wine.