This year our vines got off to an early start owing to mild March weather. This month, the weather is more typical. Fearing spring frosts, we are once again glued to the weather forecast, (several of them actually) and our own weather stations. The weather station pictured is set up in a low spot and alerts us to falling temperatures before the bulk of the vineyard is at risk for frost damage. In response to California's desperate water situation, like us, most growers are now protecting their crop with "Cold Air Drains," a modern spin on the giant propeller fans that used to be seen throughout wine country. We maintain our overhead sprinkler system but will use it only for more extreme weather events. Fingers crossed, we should be out of the woods by the end of the month!