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YOU ASKED US? About the 2012 Growing Season …
“I have never seen a year like this where we came out of the start so quickly and did not slow down a single step, even at sites with record low rainfall and extreme heat in the season.” – Brock University Cool Climate Oenology department associate.
2012 was a unique growing season that progressed quickly from bud-break on and grapes missed the frost damage many other tree fruit experienced this year. Generally bloom dates across Ontario were 10 to 14 days ahead based on a 10-year normal. Of course, the weather is crucial in the weeks leading up to harvest and has a significant impact.
The 2012 harvest now is in full swing. Nearly all of the white grapes-Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc,
Gewurztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Blanc–have been harvested and fermentations are well underway.
 The first red grapes, Merlot, have started to come in and will be soon followed by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Weather conditions have generally been favourable with mostly dry weather; the few rainstorms have caused no serious problems. The early spring and hot dry summer set the scene for an outstanding vintage; we are expecting spectacular wines.
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