Midwest Wine Press

Illinois Harvest Report from Chicago Sun Times

by · August 20, 2012

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

Mark Ganchiff

Mark Ganchiff is the publisher of Midwest Wine Press, the leading source of news on the growing wine industry in the central United States. Mark has been a wine judge at the 2012 and 2014 INDY International Wine Competition, the 2014 Cold Climate Wine Competition, the 2013 Mid-American Wine Competition, the 2012 Illinois State Fair Wine Competition and the 2013 Michigan Wine Competition. He also enjoys speaking at wine events including the Cold Climate Wine Conference, the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association Annual Meeting, the Midwest Grape and Wine Conference and the Wisconsin Fruit and Vegetable Conference. Mark's articles about regional wine have appeared in Vineyard & Winery Management, WineMaker and several regional magazines. Mark is a Level One Sommelier in the Court of Master Sommeliers. He lives in Louisville, but also has a residence in Chicago.

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