View weather data.

We’ve got something new for you to check out! You can now get the latest information regarding the weather at our vineyards. A new weather station set up by my brother Dave Bush continually downloads information on current conditions in the vineyards. For most, this may simply show that it’s sunny and glorious up at the winery while it’s cold and foggy in Sacramento.

However to us farmers, this information is a lifesaver. I sleep with my laptop next to my bed during the spring frost season. At any time, I can roll over and check out the temperatures (usually every hour). It aggravates the heck out of Maggie next to me, but at least I don’t have to drive up to the vineyards just to check the temperatures.

For those who are interested, the station measures general temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed and direction, and leaf temperature. This last measurement is a probe which fits into the canopy of the vine, letting us know the temperatures the grapes are feeling. This is important for working with overall quality of the grapes.

Lastly, we compile data from data loggers at 17 other sites in our vineyard blocks to compare with the data from the weather station. It sounds geeky, but this may ultimately lead to even more consistent quality from vintage to vintage.

So what's next? A web cam for those who need a picture instead!