(Wines&Vines) - Pinot Grigio grapes, typically the first to exhibit bud break, are ready for the weekend, according to George Zhuang, University of California Cooperative Extension viticulture farm advisor for Fresno County. Despite the chilly, wet winter, Fresno County wine grape varieties appear to be on schedule with last year, Zhuang told Wines & Vines.

As expected, bud break and the growing season emerge first on the county’s west side. Raisin and table grapes, including Thompson Seedless, used as a blending variety among large wineries, start their seasons earlier and because of just-freezing temperatures earlier this week, some have suffered frost damage, local sources said.