These past few weeks have been the time for the Primeurs. The press, the buyers, and associated wine professionals come out in force to taste and critique the young wines of 2009.
At the close of the Primeurs, a welcome three day Easter weekend came and went. The past stormy week of sun, rain, hail and wind is over.
It is beautiful today, almost 70°F (20°C) sunny, calm, with eggshell blue skies.
It is a time of refreshing new growth. The newly planted grass is growing between the rows. The vines are beginning to change from bud burst ('Pointe verte') to leaf emergence ('Sortie des feuilles').
The older established vines take their time coming into bud break. 
The young vines are eager to display their first leaves.
Plants and animals alike sense the change in the air. Each morning the crested hoopoes are calling for a mate. This distinctive bird is related to the kingfisher. During the day you can listen to the eagles singing over head and enjoy the frog chorus in the evening. Our two dogs have spring fever.
Our lovely town is filling with tourist for the season. Wine orders are coming in. Spring is here!
