Columbia Valley Vineyards Report Earliest Bud Break in Years After Unseasonable Heat

Bud break has started in the Columbia Valley, signaling an early beginning to the 2026 growing season for vineyards across eastern Washington. Sagemoor Vineyard, located in the White Bluffs appellation, reported bud break in Chardonnay, Grenache, and Viognier on March 21. The observation was made on March 23, with estimates placing the event between March 20 and 22. Yellowhawk Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley saw bud break in Cabernet Franc on March 23. At Windrow Vineyard, also in Walla Walla Valley, Nebbiolo vines began to bud according to vineyard manager Sadie Drury. Shaw Vineyards reported bud break in Merlot at Quintessence Vineyard on March 24.

These dates are about two weeks ahead of recent historical averages for the region. Over the past 14 years, bud break in the Columbia Valley has ranged from as early as March 15 in 2015 to as late as April 26 in 2023. The average date for bud break is April 2, with a median of April 4. This year’s early start is likely due to a period of historic heat that affected much of the country last week, combined with a mild and dry winter across the Pacific Northwest.

The early bud break raises concerns among growers about the increased risk of spring frost damage. When bud break occurs earlier than usual, young shoots are exposed for a longer period before the threat of frost has passed. In 2022, a late spring frost caused significant losses for growers in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Forecasts for eastern Washington indicate temperatures could drop into the mid to low 30s later this week, prompting many vineyard managers to prepare wind machines to protect vulnerable vines in lower-lying areas.

While bud break marks an important milestone in the annual grape-growing cycle, it does not determine the full schedule for the season. The timing of bloom—when grape flowers open—will have a greater impact on when harvest begins later this year. In the Columbia Valley, bloom has typically started around the third week of May over the past decade.

Growers across eastern Washington are now monitoring weather conditions closely as they enter this critical phase of the growing season. The early start may offer some advantages if conditions remain favorable, but it also brings heightened vigilance against potential frost events that could threaten this year’s crop.