Illinois Harvest Report from Chicago Sun Times
Today’s Chicago Sun Times reports that Southern Illinois’ grape harvest was adversely effected by a combination of spring frost and summer drought during 2012. Barb Harp of Two Oaks Vineyard in Southern Illinois told Midwest Wine Press today that yields in her 12 acre vineyard are down 25% from last year. “Economically, this year has not been good, but it’s not a disaster,” she said. Harp said the two varieties most effected by this year’s harsh conditions were Vignoles and Golden Muscat. However, two inches of rain in the last week has improved the outlook in Southern Illinois she said. “Grapes need the most water between veraison and harvest so we’re optimistic that our Norton, Cab Franc and Chambourcin that’s still on the vine will be high quality,” she said.
To view the Sun-Times article: http://www.suntimes.com/news/14551821-418/grape-crop-ok-in-drought.html
