As humans, our vines are delighted that spring has arrived. It was a wintery winter in Champagne. It started off mild and very wet. The vines went into deep hibernation during March with temperatures of -11°C in some places. 

Twice this year the vines were completely covered in snow! The heavy rainfall in combination with snow have ensured a big water replenishment for our soil’s water reserves. It also means budburst fell later than usual this year. On April 15th, we spotted the first 2018 leaves in our Sillery vineyards!

Nature is blooming, days are getting longer and the delicate green twigs are finally revealing inflorescences. Now it is a matter of time and weather. The countdown for the 2018 harvest is starting! 

Did you know? Bud break is a part of a vine's growth cycle which happens in spring, generally in march and April, it’s the moment where buds are starting to develop, it’s also the growth period of the branches and leaves.