By KAREN BINDER
Illinois Correspondent CARBONDALE, Ill. — Vintners say growing conditions are excellent for a notable vintage year in the state, thanks to the summer’s tropical-like weather.
“Everything just looks great. We haven’t had a year like this for a while. The grapes are right where they need to be, and that makes the winemaking easy,’’ said Gary Orlandini of Orlandini’s Vineyard in Cobden, Ill.
Grapes love extreme weather, and they got it this summer in deep southern Illinois, where the bulk of the state’s wine industry is located. The combination of consistently hot temperatures and well-timed rains has created what is expected to be one of the most productive grape-growing seasons in five or six years.
These hot temperatures averaged in the mid-90s and peaked two weeks ago when the heat index soared to 110 degrees. These conditions also mean a much earlier harvest. Vintner Karen Hand at Blue Sky Winery in Cobden has been measuring the ripeness of their grapes up to three times a day, carefully watching for the perfect measurement of sugar and acid to optimize her winemaking.
The first picking started Aug. 3, but usually doesn’t start until late this month. It’s possible the harvest could be completely picked by September, depending on the weather, she said.
Scott Sensmeier, owner of StarView Vineyards in Cobden and president of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail Assoc., adds that the weather is not deterring wine trail visitors. “We haven’t see any major increases or decreases either way,” he said. “We’re still getting good crowds out and everything’s looking good.”
There are 91 wineries in the state, compared to 68 in 2005, based on an update compiled last fall by the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Assoc. Annual production fell from 500,000 to 367,000 in the same period, but a thin harvest partially accounted for the dip.
But gallons produced is only one measure, according to the industry report – which also pointed out annual tourism spending of almost $40 million is up nearly 28 percent from 2005. |
