Apr 23, 2015

Harsh winter destroys many concord grape vines in New York

The frigid winter weather has destroyed a portion of the concord grape crop in Chautauqua County. Temperatures routinely hit below 25 degrees in the area this winter.

Many local grape farms are tucked away in the southern part of western New York near the lake. Many of those farms sell to local juice producers like Welch’s grape juice. One local grape grower says he could be in trouble if winters like this persist.

Bare vines across Chautauqua County vineyards reflect a growing season some farmers have never seen before. Mike Jordan from 21 Brix and Olde Chautauqua Vineyards in Portland said the past winter was historic.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen temperatures that low in our area — so nobody foresaw that,” he said.

WIVB News 4 Buffalo, New York

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