Getting close to harvest time!

Amazing how quickly the grapes are progressing. In just the last week, sugar levels have risen quite a bit, and the birds have found the Madeleine Angevine grapes (they are mostly about 15 Brix now). Last year (supposedly a far warmer summer with more degree days) I picked these the 27th of Sep, and they had 16.5 Brix, so these are pretty darn close to that.

Bird and rain damage

After noting the bird damage I decided we better cover all of them with bird netting.

The netted Madeleine Angevine Crop

 

The Regent grapes are turning rapidly, but are about a week behind the Mad Ang. But much more attractive!

 Regent grape crop

Regent Grapes

It's pretty easy to see why the varieties selected by WSU at Mt. Vernon for this area are preferred. Compare the two above with the Pinot noir from Willamette Valley.

Pinot noir 

 

Pinot blanc 

 Several of the grafted varieties that I have in test plantings had fruit this year.

Zweigelt rebe (a red, obviously)

 Pinot noir 71 (about the same as Pinot noir)

 Pinot noir Precoce (very much earlier - birds have really decimated this bunch)

 If the Madeleine Angevines keep splitting in the rain, I may decide to harvest them soon!