Bud swell Growth Stage Mizuho Nita — April 7, 2011 0 Comment I counted 10-15% and 30-40% of our Chardonnay and Merlot vines, respectively, are having buds that are swelled noticeably a few days ago, and today’s counts were 40-50% and 70-80% for Chardonnay and Merlot, respectively. Things are moving along!