The Effects of Climate on Vineyards

Weather patterns and climate affect the formation of grape clusters, how the clusters ripen and the quality of production. Rain, hail, temperature, windstorms, droughts and frosts are all important factors. When grape clusters bloom in spring, the number of berries a cluster will make is decided. Flowering will be affected by strong winds at bloom. Young berries can be harmed if frost occurs at the wrong time. Vintners have a preference for years during which there is much rain during the fall after harvest and during the months of winter. However, they do not want enough to cause floods or serious erosion of vineyards. Mild springs are preferable so that grapes set healthy grape clusters. Warm or mild summers are preferable because these conditions lead to even ripening patterns. It is desirable for grapes to completely ripen and to be harvested when they have the best flavor. No one wants rain at harvest. Some amount of rain is to be expected and will not be damaging to the grapes. However, an excessive amount of rain may disturb the ripening pattern, decrease levels of sugar and cause mildew or mold. So, the climate and location are definitely major considerations when producing high quality wines.

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