Calif. Grape Growers Fearful Of Water Shortage

 
Lack Of Rain Leaves Crops Defenseless
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. -- California's winemakers are bracing for a third year of drought, which could harm grape vines and crops.

Tom Davies, who has been running day-to-day operations at V. Sattui Winery for 20 years, said he's very concerned about the lack of rain.

"The last week in February we're going to have bud break, which means our frost season will be extended maybe up to two months," Davies said. "With very little water in our ponds to guard against the frost, this could be a very damaging frost season and last year was the worst frost season in 30 years."

Davies said last year, the Napa Valley lost about a million dollars in crops because of the freeze.

Wet weather or spraying the vines protects the crops from freezing temperatures. But a lack of rain leaves grape crops with no defense.

"What happens if we can't give them water the berries will start to shrivel on us. We loose tonnage, we get a very small crop," Davies said.

Growers are now mowing between the vine rows early so that grapes will not have to compete with ground cover for water.

"What are we going to do in the winery to manage the quality as the grapes arrive here and what are we going to do in the season with to promote quality given limited water?" winemaker Brooks Painter asked.

Napa Valley is home to about 325 wineries.