October 7, 2004

Virginia wine owners expecting good harvest

CROZET—October is Virginia wine month, and many growers across the Old Dominion are optimistic about this year’s crop, despite excessive rain. Heavy rains throughout the growing season caused wine grapes to mature early, forcing producers to harvest some varieties ahead of schedule.

State Viticulturist Dr. Tony Wolf said that grapes have been coming off the vines for several weeks, and preliminary reports look good.

On the Eastern Shore, the early Chardonnay yield “came off with nice numbers,” Wolf said. There is still a lot of hanging crop left to be harvested around the state, he said, and conditions are ideal for ripening.

Despite the optimistic outlook, some growers have had some problems with too much rain, which can cause disease, grape damage and poor-quality wine.

“There is some concern as to how much an impact the rains will have on the quality and tonnage,” said Tony Banks, a Virginia Farm Bureau Federation commodities expert. Growers statewide have reported taking extra steps to ensure a healthy crop.

“We have the same diseases that roses do,” explained Antony Champ, owner of White Hall Vineyards in Albemarle County. “With the rain, we fight powdery mildew and black rot. We’ve been working hard to keep our fruit healthy this year.”

Wine grape producers prefer to have dry, almost drought-like conditions. “The drier the weather, the smaller and sweeter the flavor of the grape,” Champ said. “Thus, a better-tasting wine.”

“We have been very diligent in pulling off leaves of the vines to expose the crop to wind to help keep the fruit dry,” he added. “In all, our vines are in good shape.”

Reports from Southwest Virginia and Northern Virginia are good as well. According to David Morrisette of Floyd County’s Chateau Morrisette Winery, the 2004 harvest is shaping up “by far, better than last year.” Jim Law of Linden Vineyards in Fauquier County reported nearly perfect weather for harvesting and noted that he has been pleased with not only the quantity but also the quality.

Virginia ranks fifth among Vinifera wine states and 10th nationally in commercial grape production. In 2003, producers harvested 3,600 tons of commercial grapes, of which Chardonnay represented 34 percent. Virginia is host to 250 vineyards and nearly 90 wineries.

The top three grape varieties in Virginia are Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Contact Wolf at 540-869-2560, Champ at 434-823-8615, Banks at 804-290-1114, Morrisette at 540-593-2865, Law at 540-364-1997 or Sherri McKinney, VFBF video producer, at 804-290-1148.