US: Idaho Wine Grapes Get Early Start
US: Idaho Wine Grapes Get Early Start
Apr 24, 2013 6(Wines&Vines) - With bud break in full swing three weeks earlier than usual, Idaho growers are optimistic that chilly weather in January and February won’t dampen prospects for the 2013 crop.
“All of our established stuff is fine,” said Ron Bitner of Bitner Vineyards, a 15-acre planting above the Snake River in southern Idaho. He’s expecting a normal season, “knock on wood.”
Bitner’s observations highlight the positive side of comments in a snapshot of the Northwest winery and vineyard sector issued by Northwest Farm Credit Services earlier this month. Crop volumes across the region were cause for rejoicing in 2012, but a chill hung over Idaho as temperatures hit some vineyards hard in January and February. “Colder conditions in Idaho leave some uncertainty about damage that may have occurred during the winter, but overall conditions are positive,” the report opined.
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