Idaho wine commission declares this year’s grape harvest 'stellar'

Despite an early frost, Idaho’s 2009 grape harvest produced a strong yield and high hopes for successful wines, according to a news release from the Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission.

A wet spring led to a big crop-set that required manual cluster-thinning, and warm temperatures in August and September created good ripening. The sugars remained high, nurtured during long summer days, while acids were maintained at favorable levels by comparatively cool evenings.

A slight breeze rolled through during the October frost, allowing most grapes to survive. October finished with moderate temperatures, allowing late-ripening varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Riesling to come in with ripe fruit flavors and prime sugar levels.

“Despite early frost issues we were able to continue ripening the fruit and deliver what should be an exceptional crop", said Dale Jeffers, vineyard manager at Skyline Vineyards.

Another plus for the wine industry this year was the beginning of Treasure Valley Community College’s viticulture curriculum and a new University of Idaho winery incubator in Caldwell, said Ron Bitner of Bitner Vineyards.