I have been remiss in introducing you to a key player of my vineyard management team. In fact, he is my most loyal assistant. Always by my side. Alerting me to all threats… both foreign and domestic.

Meet “Chip”! Or more formally known as Chocolate Chip.

 

Pictured above, Chip is guarding the Petite Sirah plants on the upper terrace (Block R). He is particularly proud of these 6 vines as they have shown great promise so far this year.

Chip is also very excited about the progress shown by the Barbera vines planted in the rest of the vineyard and wanted me to share some photos of them too.

 

If you look closely you can see several green young fruit clusters.

The photo below shows a nice close-up.