Spring 2026 Vineyard Report

by Jay DeWitt, Managing Partner & Vigneron

I am frequently asked how the warm winter will affect the grapevines. Average temperatures over the last 3 months have been consistently 3-7°F above normal in Eastern Washington. Records were set in a few instances.

Grapevines have what is called a “chilling requirement” that must be met for the vines to behave normally in the following growing season. Cabernet Sauvignon needs 400 hours of temperatures below 45°F, Merlot needs 300 hrs, Chardonnay 150 hrs. Even in the warmest years this is not a concern for us. In most years, the requirement is met before December 1st.

The other worry about higher than normal winter temperatures is the lack of deep dormancy if there is an Arctic weather event. The vines’ ability to withstand extreme cold is dependent on the prior 2-4 weeks temperatures. Warm weather means the vines are not well conditioned for a severe cold snap. We are past that potential disaster for the 2026 growing season.

The third problem warm temperatures can cause is early bud break, due to the potential damage from a spring frost. The plant physiology mechanisms that govern bud break don’t start up until the average daily temperature is above 50°, usually late March or Early April. I always root for a late spring, it doesn’t look like that will be the case in 2026, Temperatures for the rest of this month are predicted to be higher than normal.

When it comes to farming, there is always something to worry about!