By Blake Jackson
The 2024 wine harvest in New York is shaping up to be a promising one, bringing relief to winemakers after facing several challenging years.
From the Hudson Valley and Long Island to the Finger Lakes and the Niagara Escarpment, growers are optimistic about this year’s crop, following tough seasons marked by early frosts, heavy rains, and lower yields.
“Following a small harvest in 2022 due to drier, droughty conditions and then, obviously, our short crop last year due to the spring frost, we’ve bounced back with a more typical yield this year,” said John Wagner, owner of Wagner Vineyards in the Finger Lakes, “This year we did have a high level of Growing Degree Days, but what concerns us more, are the weather extremes.”
However, while there has been a strong accumulation of Growing Degree Days (GDD), Wagner and others remain cautious due to unpredictable weather patterns.
“The extremes are alarming,” Wagner said, "It pours three inches of rain, and the next day it’s windy, and the next day it’s cold, followed by a hot day. Those things are a little tougher to farm to.”
In the Hudson Valley, winemaker Dan Heavens of Quartz Rock Vineyard noted that the early harvest this year could lead to an even better one next year.
“Hopefully this allows the vines to get a jump start on carbohydrate and nutrient storage which will help for the next year,” Dan Heavens said.
Dave Pittard, owner of Buttonwood Grove Winery and Six Eighty Cellars, mentioned that the earlier harvest came with its pros and cons, such as improved fruit quality but more difficult farming conditions.
“Harvest started for us about two weeks ahead of our running average,” Pittard says. We have seen growing conditions ahead all year, so this is not surprising. I think the early and above-average growing degree days have clearly had a very positive impact on our fruit."
The Niagara Escarpment region is also experiencing a solid harvest. Cynthia West of Black Willow Winery “We only grow Diamond grapes at this time, and we are very pleased with the quality, and we cannot wait to see the final product.”
Across New York, winemakers are optimistic about the 2024 vintage, and the economic impact of a strong harvest is anticipated to benefit the state's agricultural sector. As growers look forward to next year's wine releases, the overall sentiment is one of excitement and cautious optimism.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-willhowecreative
Categories: New York, Business