Zen Breath 3-2-1

Note: You are receiving this email because you subscribed to my weekly 3-2-1 newsletter or you subscribed to the Koi Zen Cellars newsletter. Every Friday, I share 3 wine terms, 2 quotes from me, and 1 question for you to ponder. Occasionally, I also send out long-form articles on habits and self-improvement.


"Vineyards are farming, winemaking is manufacturing -
two very different skills."
~ Zen Winemaker ~

3 terms, 2 quotes, 1 question

April 29, 2022


Happy Friday! Time to wrap up this week and get ready for the next! Take a deep breath and kick off the weekend on a positive note. Let's consider where we have been, improve it, and move forward next week. Packing the most content into the least words and trying to change the world, one glass at a time.

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3 - Wine Terms - Bud Break

Traditionally, bud break is a vineyards first indication that winter is over and spring is here. Tiny buds on the vines swell as the temperatures rise and they bust out of their protective shell with tiny green leaves. Within days, a brown leafless vineyard transforms into a burst of green. Let's explore three aspects of the importance of bud break.
  1. Photosynthesis - over the winter the vines have been surviving on stored water, energy, and nutrients from the previous year and they are hungry. During bud break, small green leaves emerge which grow very rapidly to absorb energy from the sun. This influx of energy promotes more growth and helps determine the yield of the harvest.
  2. Frost - Late spring frosts can easily destroy entire vineyards overnight and this just happened over the last few weeks in northern Willamette Valley, OR and in the Sierra Foothills in Clarksburg, El Dorado, Amador, and Lodi counties.

    While the damage is still being assessed, many vineyards in northern Willamette lost their entire crop putting even more strain on the wine industry after dealing with fires in 2020.

    The biggest potential loss is the damage that was done the California's Central Valley where most value wine and juice is produced.
  3. Grapes - the tiny buds will eventually turn into all of the sprouts, leaves and grapes. Any damage done prior to and during bud break will change the productivity of the vineyard. As the buds begin to develop, the vineyard manager will begin to assess their pruning and tinning strategy to optimize the years harvest.

    While it is still to early to assess, we all hope for a bountiful harvest.
P.S. What varietals should Koi Zen produce this year? Let me know.

2 - Quotes from Me:

  1. "Wine is ready when IT IS ready - now when we want it to be." ~ Zen Winemaker
  2. "It is always easier to work with than against." ~ Zen Winemaker

1 - Question to ponder:

Timing


As the weather warms, the grape vines begin to wake up from their winter nap and produce buds. With added sun, warmth, and water these tiny sprouts grow. With care and guidance the harvest can be bountiful.

There is a natural flow, a natural timing, and everything works out - this seems to work well for all of nature - except humans.

We continually go against the flow; expending inordinate amounts of energy trying to be what, where, and who we are not. Some call this ambition, some call it a fools errand, but regardless it is wasteful and stressful.

If we take inspiration from the vines and use timing and nature as our guide, our lives can become easier, more enjoyable, and more fulfilling. Rest when you are tired. Advance when you have an advantage. Go with the flow. Be still when you are unsure. Be aware of opportunities and avoid threats. Enjoy what you have. Exchange future worry for current enjoyment. Be present with those around you. Don't stress about an uncontrollable and unpredictable future.

Follow the vine - it doesn't worry about the future - its' only job is to be the best it can be - naturally and all in good time.

Question:


Are you aligned with nature - or continually fighting against it?

Zen Giggles:

As I get older,
and I remember all the people I've lost along the way,
I think to myself,
maybe a career as a tour guide wasn't for me.

~~ Notice ~~

The signs of spring that are everywhere.

~~~

A favor:


We strive to foster a community who are excited to learn about wine and create a better world for all. We are a small business and appreciate your support. Please encourage others to subscribe to this newsletter and build the community of like minded people. And don't forget to give me some feedback on what you want to learn about - I love hearing from you.

Also, if you are at a point in life where you desire change, but don't know what, where, or how - I suggest taking my online class on Finding Your Passion HERE. It might be the best investment you ever made.

Cheers,

Darius Miller - The Zen Winemaker

P.S. Let me know what you think of the 3-2-1 newsletter - or better yet, share with your friends - it would be much appreciated.


Author of a #1 best seller:
'The Zen Winemaker - Follow Your Dreams & Overcome Your Fears'

Creator of:
'The Zen Wine Tasting Journal - Life is too short to drink bad wine, or to wear ugly underwear.'

Become Inspired:
ZenWinemaker.com