MADISON, Ohio — Local winemakers have a big reason to toast this year.
Unseasonably hot autumn temperatures have given them a bounty of grapes. The year had been a roller coaster, after freezing temperatures in January nearly killed off crops.
At Debonne Vineyards in Madison, owner Tony Debevc braced for big losses.
"You’re talking about $1 million in crop value," he said at the time. "That’s just in our vineyards."
But then, nature changed course.
Weather was warmer than expected and there was high pressure form tropical storm systems. Add the continued heat, and the Midwest grape harvest is shaping up to be the best in decades.
"This is going to be a year that may carry us for a couple years," Debevc said.
Michael Harris, a winemaker at Debonne, believes the reds will turn out best.
"We can gain a little bit more sugar, gaining a little bit more flavor, acidity and the qualities that are really going to enhance the grapes," he said.
And because those grapes will be higher quality, he said they will be used for higher-end wines.