Freezing temperatures a potential threat to grape growers

The record cold that caused thermometers in Windsor-Essex to bottom out overnight had grape growers in the regionturningup the air Monday morning.

Frigid temperatures are a potential hazard for vineyards because they candamage the buds for the following year's wine that are already on the vine.

But Tom O'Brien from Cooper's Hawk Vineyardsnear Harrow, said most growers in the area are prepared for temperatures to take a dip.

Rather than bundling up their buds grape growers use large fans to circulate the air in their vineyards, which works to keep ita bit warmer.

"We actually did have to turn on the wind machines about 7:20 this morning, because it took a drop from about -14 to about -17, and -17 is when the growers of the grapes start to get a little worried," O'Brien said, adding that damaged buds canhurt wine production for the followingyear.

During the brutally cold winter of 2014-2015 most of the high-hanging grapes at the winery died leading to a smaller harvest that had to be done by hand.

O'Brien told CBC's Windsor Morning that although the chilly temperaturesare idealfor making ice wine, he's not planning to make anyand he doesn't know any local vintners who are because the markethas slowed down.