Copyright © 1999 - 2008, Purdue University, All rights reserved.
Monday, October 6, 2008
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Indiana's grape harvest is nearly complete and yields and fruit quality are very strong. Most grapes are harvested and it is time to create the wines of 2008. For many of the Indiana wineries, the harvest was complete at the end of September. However, a few wineries still intentionally have grapes hanging on the vine in the hopes of making a "late harvest" ice wine.
"Mild winter temperatures and a lack of a devastating spring freeze means that growers have a full crop of fruit this year," said Dr. Bruce Bordelon, viticulturalist at Purdue University. "2008 will be considered an excellent year for grapes in the Midwest."
Wet and cool weather this spring did cause concern for fruit quality. However, less rainfall and warmer weather from June through September allowed the grapes to ripen well.
"This vintage for some varieties may be even better than last year's stellar quality," said Bill Oliver, President of Oliver Winery in Bloomington, Indiana. "Catawba, Vignoles, Valvin Muscat and Corot Noir look especially good right now."
Huber's Orchard, Winery & Vineyards have 62 acres of grapes planted in fields surrounding Starlight, Indiana. Fruit is also grown to make many of their award-winning wines. "The month of July brought us a record crop of blackberries and peaches with above average quantity and excellent quality," said Ted Huber, President. "This will yield excellent fruit wines for later this year."
Grape harvest began in August and should be completed in mid-October. Indiana has 425 acres of grapes in vineyards around the state.