The cooler weather forecast for the next several days is welcome news for Oregon's wine industry.
Growers were nervous earlier this summer when the cool, wet weather dragged on. Then, summer weather finally arrived with a string of sunny days well into the 90s. Now, the forecasted temperatures in the 70s, with little rain, are allowing winemakers to breathe a sigh of relief, as the fall harvest approaches.
It's a critical time for an industry that's worth $2.7 billion into the Oregon economy, according to the Oregon Wine Board.
Melissa Burr is a winemaker at Stoller Vineyards in Dayton, the largest vineyard in the Dundee Hills at 180 acres. She says the weather could help make 2011 a vintage year.
"Last year, 2010 was a very similar situation to what we have right now," said Burr, as she walked along a row of pinot noir grapes.
"We had a cool spring and early summer. There was concern...well, we got these clusters (of grapes) and they flourished in the cooler conditions and the wines were beautiful. So, I'm really positive about this season. I think the quality is going to be really up there. With all the worry and stuff, I think we should look at it as kind of a blessing," said Burr.
The grape harvest will be about two to three weeks later this year than usual, in mid-October instead of late September. But, especially for fans of Oregon's signature pinot noir, the results should be more than satisfying.
"I've got positive expectations here," said Burr. "And I think realistic ones as well."
