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The growing season is in full swing across the Santa Lucia Highlands, with canopy development accelerating under continued mild, dry, and windy conditions. Daytime highs averaged 65.5°F this week, with nighttime lows at 42.4°F and a weekly mean temperature of 53.4°F. Soil temperature held steady at 57.0°F, further supporting active vine growth. Rainfall was negligible, with just 0.08 inches recorded for the week. Evapotranspiration increased to 1.02 inches, marking the highest value of the season so far, while wind remained a dominant factor—daily peak speeds averaged 16.2 mph, and the highest gust reached 21.7 mph on March 25. Mean wind speed for the week climbed to 8.1 mph. These conditions are drawing down soil moisture reserves rapidly. As canopy growth continues and bloom approaches, water management is becoming increasingly important. The current pattern of warm, windy, and dry weather means we will need to keep a close eye on soil profiles and support new growth as spring progresses.

The 2025 growing season continues to accelerate in the Santa Lucia Highlands, with temperatures and wind both trending upward this week. Daily highs averaged 65.9°F, and nighttime lows held steady at 41.1°F, bringing the mean air temperature up to 52.2°F. Soil temperature increased as well, now averaging 55.5°F—reinforcing active shoot growth and ongoing canopy expansion throughout the region. Rainfall was minimal at just 0.09 inches, while evapotranspiration climbed to 0.94 inches for the week, reflecting the combined impact of warmer conditions and persistent wind. Wind activity intensified: daily peak wind speeds averaged 14.9 mph, with the highest gust reaching 16.2 mph on March 20. Overall mean wind for the week was 6.8 mph. As budbreak progresses and early shoot growth accelerates, the main pattern of the season remains clear: moderate soil moisture carried over from late winter rains, but limited new precipitation and increasing evaporative demand as temperatures climb. Compared with recent vintages, the rapid increase in soil and air temperatures this March is reminiscent of 2014, continuing to drive early and vigorous growth across most sites. With the region now fully transitioned out of dormancy, growers are watching canopy development and soil moisture closely. The combination of steady warmth and strong wind will be a key consideration as the season builds toward the next phase of growth.

The week ending March 16 marks the transition from dormancy to early shoot growth in the Santa Lucia Highlands, providing a clear view of how the 2025 season is shaping up. Average daytime highs this week settled at 61.7°F, with lows at 40.4°F and a weekly mean of 49.9°F. Soil temperatures averaged 54.0°F—well above the 50°F mark associated with the onset of budbreak. These conditions are now consistent across most blocks, with bud swell and early green shoots evident throughout the region. Looking at the season to date, the post-harvest period brought several weeks of below-average rainfall, resulting in early soil moisture deficits as dormancy set in. January and early February remained notably dry, with cumulative rainfall lagging historical norms and keeping root profiles shallow until a series of storms arrived mid- to late-February. Over the last four weeks, total precipitation has improved, with nearly 2.7 inches recorded, and rainfall this week (0.34 inches) has helped maintain much-needed reserves as evapotranspiration has steadily increased—now averaging just above 0.7 inches per week as temperatures and winds climb. Dormancy itself was marked by wide temperature swings and a gradual rise in soil temperatures, but without damaging heat spikes or prolonged cold snaps. This has preserved vine health and supported an even, if slightly early, transition into budbreak. The main challenge through dormancy was the lack of sustained winter rain; while late-season storms have alleviated some of the deficit, soil moisture remains a point of focus for canopy establishment as spring advances. Vintage comparison provides further context: Current soil temperatures and the timing of budbreak most closely resemble what was observed in 2014, a season known for an early start and rapid spring development. Like that year, this season’s mild winter and limited rainfall are resulting in accelerated phenology and a condensed budbreak window across the Highlands. Early growth so far shows strong vigor, but sustained moisture will be critical if the pattern of warm, dry, and windy weather continues. As the canopy pushes out and the 2025 vintage takes shape, growers will be monitoring shoot growth, soil water, and wind exposure closely. The region has moved decisively out of dormancy, with the season’s first key transition now underway.

Cooler weather returned to the Santa Lucia Highlands this week, taking some of the momentum out of early spring progress as budbreak begins in a few sites. Average daily highs dropped to 62.1°F and overnight lows settled at 39.6°F, with the mean air temperature falling to 49.2°F. Soil temperature dipped but held firm at 54.4°F—still well above the 50°F mark that signals active vine growth. Rainfall picked up, with 0.83 inches recorded, providing a timely boost to soil moisture after an extended dry stretch. Evapotranspiration remained steady at 0.75 inches. Wind was moderate, with daily peaks averaging 11.0 mph and the highest gust reaching 13.0 mph. With soil and air temperatures remaining favorable for vine growth and the first green shoots now appearing in early blocks, this week’s rain arrives at an opportune moment. While the cooling trend has slowed development slightly, all signs continue to point to a strong and early start to the 2025 growing season in the Santa Lucia Highlands.

Warming trends persisted in the Santa Lucia Highlands this week, as dormancy gives way to the first hints of spring. Daily high temperatures averaged 69.1°F, with nighttime lows climbing to 44.9°F, pushing the weekly mean temperature to 54.4°F. Soil temperature continued its steady rise, averaging 56.7°F—well above the 50°F threshold associated with the onset of vine activity and early bud swell. Rainfall remained limited, with just 0.09 inches recorded for the week, and evapotranspiration stayed elevated at 0.70 inches, reflecting ongoing warmth and steady winds. Wind activity remained notable, with daily peak speeds averaging 12.8 mph and a maximum gust of 18.3 mph recorded on March 1. With both soil and air temperatures consistently above critical budbreak levels, vineyards are on the edge of a transition, and early blocks may already be showing signs of bud swell. Continued lack of rainfall means soil moisture reserves will need careful monitoring as green growth begins. As we move further into March, all indicators point to an early and potentially rapid start to the 2025 growing season in the Santa Lucia Highlands.

Dormancy is coming to an end in the Santa Lucia Highlands, with soil and air temperatures signaling the transition toward early growth. The week saw a noticeable warm-up, with average highs jumping to 68.2°F and overnight lows up to 41.8°F. The weekly mean air temperature rose to 52.9°F, and soil temperature followed, averaging 54.2°F—well above the 50°F mark that is generally considered the threshold for bud activity in grapevines. As soils consistently reach this range, the first signs of bud swell can be expected in the coming weeks. No rainfall was recorded this week, bringing a quick halt to the wet spell earlier in February. Wind remained active, with daily peak speeds averaging 12.6 mph and a maximum gust of 16.7 mph. Evapotranspiration climbed to 0.78 inches, the highest of the dormant period so far, and soil temperatures continued their upward trend. With both soil and air temperatures now tracking above the typical budbreak threshold, growers will be monitoring for the first visible changes in the vines. Attention remains on soil moisture, which is beginning to recede again, and on frost risk as the season transitions. The Highlands are nearing the end of dormancy, and all signs point to an early start for the 2025 growing season if these conditions persist.