Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/100792
Photo: Jason Tinacci/Napa Vall ey Vintners Harvest 2012 fter two difficult years, California winegrowers were rewarded with a picture-perfect 2012 harvest. The growing season began with a fairly dry, cool spring, followed by optimal weather conditions through harvest. Overall, there were no complaints from producers across the state, and vintners are predicting an excellent-quality 2012 vintage The sentiment was much the same in Washington state, where sighs of relief were heard across the region. A stretch of warm, dry weather from July through October created ideal growing conditions for most regions, and vintners expect a terrific vintage. Oregon���s growing season got off to a somewhat shaky start with below-average rainfall through March, followed by cool weather and above-average rainfall into late June. After that, a warm, dry spell took over, alleviating concerns about mold and leaving producers excited overall about quality. In the East, many regions experienced near-ideal growing conditions, despite some problems with frost and birds. Harvest was completed before Hurricane Sandy arrived, and growers enjoyed a warm, dry growing season that produced good-quality fruit. 48 V I N E YARD & WINERY MANAGEMENT | Jan - Feb 2013 CALIFORNIA BY GLENN MCGOURTY What a difference a year makes! After two years of trials and tribulations in California vineyards, 2012 promises to be one of those special vintages where most varieties performed well, and good wine is possible from nearly everywhere. Bulk wine supplies were quite low, which made wineries shop early and pay growers in most regions more generously than in recent years. Most growers had commitments for their fruit by early summer, and few had trouble finding a home for their grapes. Following the rainstorms that fell during the harvest of 2011, December, January and early February 2012 were relatively dry. Rain fell in March and April, which brought precipitation to more normal levels, although rainfall was below average for most places. Temperatures were also a little on the cool side, which delayed bud break and flowering in many areas. However, it was not a frosty spring, and this was much appreciated by growers concerned about having adequate water supplies. w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m