During flowering, the winegrower looks anxiously at the weather forecast. The flowering takes place, depending on the region, from the end of May until the end of June. This year it was early in some places in France, for instance in Bordeaux.
When we were there on the first days of June it was in full swing and it is interesting to see it because it is quite unusual to come exactly during this period. The flowers are small and you have to look closely to see them. It is important that the weather stays fairly warm and dry during the flowering so that pollination goes smoothly.
The vine is a self-pollinating plant so insects are not needed. But there are diseases that can strike if the weather is bad. Some grape varieties can be affected by e.g. coulure. Bunches will then contain fewer grapes than normal. Early flowering often means early harvest. But not always.
Travel: Come to Bordeaux on a wine tour this autumn.
