Slow Start.

April was the wettest month here for many years. It was also cooler than usual ,by around 5C, with some unwelcome night frosts.

This combination has led to the vines growing painfully slowly, at least compared to what we are used to. There is now a distinct possibility late ripening grapes like Chardonnay will not ripen in time in the autumn.

Look at how behind it's shoots are. There are signs of flower clusters but we need some warmer weather.
If the late start translate in a shortened growing season it will be interesting to see what varieties perform successfully and therefore which can be recommended for northern growing. Madeleine Angevine I expect to perform well for example.