Bud break marks the beginning of a new growing season in the vineyard, as the first signs of life emerge from the dormant vines. Following months of winter rest, tiny buds begin to swell and open, revealing delicate green shoots that will develop into the season's canopy and fruit-bearing growth.
The timing of bud break is influenced by winter temperatures, the gradual warming of spring, and decisions made during winter pruning. Our vineyard manager, Juan, carefully selects which buds to retain, helping shape the vine's growth and establish the number and placement of shoots for the season ahead. As temperatures rise, the vines emerge from dormancy and direct their energy toward new growth.
In 2026, bud break came early to Napa Valley, with the first signs appearing on our Cabernet Franc vines in the northern portion of the Oakville vineyard during the first week of March, following a winter of welcomed rainfall.
While bud break is an exciting milestone, it is also one of the vineyard's most vulnerable stages. Newly emerged shoots are particularly sensitive to frost and fluctuating spring temperatures, and a late-season frost can damage tender growth and compromise the season's potential crop. Fortunately, the 2026 season brought no significant frost damage to our emerging shoots.
Our winemaker Natalie Bath says, “There is something exciting about seeing those first buds open. After months of winter work, the vineyard starts to come alive again, and you begin to get a sense of the season ahead. But it's also when you start watching the weather very closely. Those first shoots are incredibly delicate, and Mother Nature has a way of keeping us on our toes. It's still very early, but the growing season is officially underway.”
As the season progresses, our vineyard crew will continue monitoring shoot development across each block, making adjustments as needed to encourage balanced growth. Differences in timing and development offer an early reminder of how each vineyard site brings its own conditions and considerations to the vintage.
With bud break behind us, the focus shifts to the months of growth ahead. The first chapter of the 2026 vintage is underway.
