Wine Grape Crop High In Quality, Lower Yield

Dundee, N.Y. (AP) - This year's wine grape crop from upstate New York is high in quality with a bit less quantity.

Growers told the Star-Gazette of Elmira that the warm early spring followed by a cold spell and a dry summer took a toll on the overall yield. But growers say the grapes that made it through are in good shape.

Steve Fulkerson of Fulkerson Winery in Dundee in the Finger Lakes said grape quality is higher because sugar levels are up. But he said his yield is about 200 tons short.

Grapes that normally wouldn't fully ripen until mid-September were ready to be picked in late August after the dry summer. Vineyards have been scrambling to get everything harvested in time.

        (Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.)