Springtime in the Vineyards of Southern France

The last week in April all the grape vines appeared to burst forth at once. In this part of the country, with relatively mild winters, spring is a long slow progression, a gradual greening that starts mid-winter with the sprouting of wheat and other grain. By mid April, the grape vines seem to be slumbering while most other plants are in full spring mode. Then on April 24^th, as if on cue, nearly all the vines emerged at once.