Winter weather worries wine-makers

Real challenge comes with late spring freezes

BURNET COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - Last spring, the leaves were lush and the grapes were growing strong at Flat Creek Estate near Marble Falls. But it doesn't take much - like a killer freeze - to make a vineyard like this struggle.

In Texas, it's true the weather can wreck the wine industry. There are 280 family-owned vineyards in the state. They generate $1.35 billion each year for the economy and employ more than 9,000 people in the process.

Brown and brittle, the rows of grape vines at Flat Creek were waiting for better weather in the midst of an arctic front expected at the end of the week. Trooper, a 12-year-old Doberman and this vineyard's mascot, had the same idea, snuggled close to one of the buildings out of the wind.

The owner, Madelyn Naber, laughed and said, "He picks his place in the sun and talks someone into bringing his bed and blanket over to make sure he's cozy."

He had no intention of moving, while Naber walked the fields, wondering if she would have to purchase grapes from other vineyards again.

"It's expensive in that you're not only purchasing the fruit,” she said, “but you're also spending money to take care of a vineyard that isn't giving you fruits."

A late freeze destroyed 98 percent of the crop there in April 2009. It's too early to predict that this year, but right now the biggest worry is - if these winter freezes continue - it could kill everything growing above ground.

"You can see where the new buds have formed come spring,” she said, “but before that happens we'll have pruned this back."

By then, she should know if it's been too cold this winter. If the freezing temperatures let up in time for spring, Flat Creek should be in the clear.

"It's too early for pruning,” she explained. “We need to get through winter, most of winter first."

With the weather, you can only worry so much. It's a mindset Trooper already had figured out, hoping and waiting for that warmth around the corner.

One bright point with the weather for wine makers in Texas over the last year, Flat Creek tells KXAN the drought actually helped out somewhat. It was easier to regulate the water needed to irrigate the crops. Sometimes rain has a tendency to oversaturate the grapes, which need very little water.