Weather conditions good for grape growers

GOLD HILL, Ore. -- With fall underway and the grape harvest season in full swing, Southern Oregon winemakers are crossing their fingers that the weather conditions continue to cooperate.
 
A cooler spring this year raised concern from growers there would be a smaller crop. RoxyAnn Winery says that at one point their grapes were two-weeks behind schedule. However, they say the grapes have now caught up and are beginning to come off the vines. They say temperatures in the mid-70's create an optimal environment that allows the grape's flavors to develop at a steady pace without sugars getting too high.
 
"The cooler weather allows us to not have to hurry too much to pick. It usually lets us, gives us a wider window. We're not so worried about the grapes getting over-ripe," says RoxyAnn Wine Maker Gus Janeway.
 
Del Rio Winery says it's pickers are taking advantage of the cooler mornings, and start picking around 3 a.m. That vineyard says that while it's seeing less grapes on the vines because of last spring's cooler weather, the quality of the grapes is better.