Following sub-zero temperatures in the winter, New York grape growers were asked to fill out a brief online survey that asks for an estimate of the percentage of crop loss associated with winter injury, number of acres impacted, and (if possible) an estimate of the three-year average tonnage produced.
State officials will use the results as a source of information to gauge the impact on this year’s winegrape crop. New York New York Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball recently announced growers may be able to seek grapes from outside the state to meet the demand this year.
As a result of the survey, Cornell Cooperative Extension educators noted varieties that logged a 40% loss or higher, indicating a need for grapes from outside the state for winemaking this year. Varieties such as Cabernet Franc logged 46% loss, Pinot Noir a 41% loss, Merlot a 53% loss, Lemberger a 57% loss, Pinot Gris a 50% loss, Syrah a 50% loss Dornfelder a 100% loss, Gewürztraminer a 58%, and Gruner Veltliner a 67% loss.
Click here to read more about the grape grower survey results.
Source: Cornell University Extension bulletin