Winter in Wine Country

 

Winter in Sonoma County, CA is Green. We get a lot of rain in the Winter!  Forty-two inches in Healdsburg. 
As I write this post it's raining. Which is a good excuse to share the Atmosphere of Winter among the vines.  All this rain means Green hillsides and lawns. It's really quit lovely and stands in stark contrast to the brown countryside in Summer when the vines that provide the Green! 

Winter is actually full of color.  The best known is the Yellow Mustard that grows between the vines. It's grown there for specific reasons.  

The magic happens when Mustard is tilled under before it goes to seed. As a mulch it helps suppress the growth of weeds. It adds micronutrients (like Selenium, Calcium, Manganese) and nitrogen to the soil, improving soil biology. Plus, specific varieties release natural gases (isothiocyanates) when crushed, suppressing soil-borne pests and diseases.
All that from a common plant that grows well here in this damp Winter weather.

This year it's sad to report that many vines where not picked. Their shriveled grapes hang forlornly on the vine. The Wine Industry is adjusting to market trends. You will also see big burn piles of uprooted vines as you drive along the country roads. (Be sure to watch out for flooded roads)!