Winemakers toasting wild weather: low yields, higher quality expected

Wet conditions in Windsor have yet to affect crops out in Harrow, giving growers the dry weather needed to produce great-tasting grapes.

It's a far cry from the fears expressed by winemakersearlier this year when extreme cold temperatures blastedsouthwestern Ontario.

Viewpointe Estate Winery expected a landmark year for grape yields due to the warm weather that is, until two weeks ago when a hailstorm damaged 50 per cent of crops in one of their fields.

"I wanted to cry personally, but I spoke with a winemaker and he said, 'This is farming. You just have to move on and prepare for it and make sure that you can make the best wine possible that you can,'" assistant winemakerLaura Artale said.

Awarning on August 8by Environment Canada, issued at 7:15 p.m., pointed to Belle River, Lakeshore, Tilbury, Stoney Point, Comber and Wheatleyas areas that would have been affected.

But the storm didn't last long, as the weather authority ended the warning just one hour later.

It was a tough loss at the time, but growers at Viewpointe remained optimistic. Hot and dry weather as of late is providing the optimal conditions required for high-quality grape production.

"We don't water to swell up with water which is going to add volume. [When a grape is smaller,] it produces more tanninand it gives it better flavour and quality," Artalesaid.

'Grape' weather for wineries

6 years ago

Duration 1:37

Windsor-Essex wine county says the weather has been a bit wonky but should produce a good product.