The grapes are growing despite the cool and wet spring and summer weather this year, but wineries and vineyard operators are looking to ensure the quality remains consistent.
Troy Osborne, senior vineyard manager for Sumac Ridge Estate Winery, said the winery is cutting back on the amount of grapes it is growing.
Because of the weather, the grapes are maturing more slowly than normal.
“The biggest risk is with the late ripening varieties, particularly the late ripening reds,” he said.
By cutting the amount of grapes on the vines, Osborne said the ripening will occur a little earlier than if all grapes are left on the vines.
While the temperature has been a concern, Osborne said the wet year has not caused problems.
“Because we are growing fruit in a semi-arid region, we have to add irrigation,” he said.
Osborne said the quality of the grapes is an important part of the winemaking process, since the winery works to maintain a consistent quality each year.
He said last year, the spring and summer were also cooler than normal, but the late summer and fall were warmer and fruit was still ripening in November.