Many people have asked me how the extreme heat we’ve endured over the last few months will affect the 2010 grape harvest. Even though most growers/winemakers have become accustomed to our fickle Virginia weather, this summer was a real surprise and challenge.

At the end of August, many vineyards have already harvested all their white wine grapes. The high heat and humidity brought the sugars up to high levels very early, even though the berries were smaller than normal. Crushing small berries is not a bad thing, but does affect the overall volume of the harvest. Flavor wise, there will be more skin contact per volume of grape and this, in the end, could signal higher flavor profiles.

Another interesting point, many growers did not alter their spraying schedules in anticipation of the continued heat. Agri-chemicals have ‘Date To Harvest’ windows in which grapes may not be picked, many growers found their berries ripening but could not pick them. There is now lot of ripe fruit on the vine being watched by anxious growers hoping the extra 2-3 weeks hang time will not see the grapes spoil.