The life cycle of a vine progresses from “bud break” and “pre-bloom,” when buds form on the shoots, to flowering. The green caps on the buds pop off, and bloom takes place. Grape blossoms are tiny white flowers, and you have to look closely to see them. They give off a subtle scent, clean, fresh and reminiscent of linden flowers. Vintner Michael Larner, of Larner Vineyard in Santa Barbara County, says the smell reminds him of “a soapy, floral shampoo.”
Once bloom occurs, the next step in the vine’s life is fruit set.
— Mary Orlin, Staff
