Sprigs of spring

<p>The long, dormant winter is over in the Alexander Valley, where the first grapevines of the year — the chardonnay — have opened up their tender shoots in the annual rite of spring known as bud break.</p><p>The good news is that the spring growing season is right on time, arriving just a few days ahead of the Vernal Equinox this Saturday. Early March is generally the time when the weather warms up enough to coax the new leaves and developing grape clusters to emerge from their soft, cottony casing and stretch toward the sun.</p><p>But the bad news, for Alexander Valley grape growers like Jim Murphy of Murphy Vineyards, is that the chance of overnight frost presents a real danger through May. </p><p>For the next few months, growers will have to stay vigilant against plunging temperatures, which can kill the tender tissues of the new shoots. Sprinklers and wind machines, which help modulate temperatures near the emerging buds, stand ready to spring into action should Mother Nature's breath turn icy again.</p><p>Meanwhile, bud break in the cooler regions of Wine Country, such as the Russian River Valley, is expected in about two weeks.</p>