This year’s bitter cold damages Ontario/Canada grape vines

Ontario, canada is used to cold winters but the winter of 2013-14 has been so bitterly cols that grapes that normally withstand the winter weather may be in jeopardy. Growers believe the wickedly cold winter has damaged grape vines. However, the full extent of the damage may not be known until June.

Most cold air masses crossing Lake Ontario in winter are moderated enough by water to keep grapes in good shape. However, the wind and cold air this year has been swirling in a different director resulting in bone chilling cold weather. The Great Lakes have had their greatest ice cover in more than two decades also contributing to bitter cold.

Some growers even have turned to calling 2014 the year of the grape-killing cold. Hank Hunse, an Ontario grape grower, said he lost his entire Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc crops for 2013 already due to cold temperatures. Crop insurance only covers some of the losses

Cold weather effects won’t be seen on the wine market for a while though. Hunse said surplus from the past few mild winters would last for two seasons. Fewer, but hardier, grapes surviving this year’s cold also should be higher quality, he said.

On The Web:
Polar Vortex Claims Another Victim: Ontario Grapes
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/02/08/ontario-wineries-polar-vortex_n_4751206.html?utm_hp_ref=canada-business&just_reloaded=1