Following the passage of the remnants of Hurricane Hilary through Southern California’s vineyards, growers are relieved to report minimal flood or wind damage. However, the storm has exacerbated mildew concerns, adding to the challenges winegrowers face just before the crucial harvest period.
While the rain brought by the tropical storm was significant, vineyard erosion remained largely in check, providing some relief for winemakers preparing for the upcoming harvest. Brian Marquez, the winemaker at Wiens Family Cellars situated in Temecula Valley east of San Diego, remarked that the vineyards showed relatively limited damage from the storm’s effects.
Gallo spokesperson Krista Noonan reported that the tropical storm had spared Gallo’s properties and vineyards in Fresno, located in the Central Valley. The weather system veered to the east of their vineyards, ensuring their safety.
In general, the majority of California’s Central Coast and North Coast regions remained unscathed by the storm’s impact.
While the storm’s eye passed slightly to the east of Temecula, Greg Pennyroyal, vineyard manager at Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula and viticulture professor at Mt. San Jacinto College, explained that the cyclonic counterclockwise winds deposited the heaviest rain on the storm’s eastern side. He noted that the winery received around 1.7 inches of rainfall in a brief period.
As winegrowers prepare for the imminent harvest, their attention is turning to addressing the increased risk of mildew following the storm’s moisture, adding an additional layer of complexity to the upcoming grape harvesting season.
