If these conditions continue until harvest, we will probably be tasting one of our best vintages. Vintners list many reasons why hot weather is good for grapes. Sunshine produces sugar, and the more sugar as the fruit ripens, the better the wine. And heat causes the plant to perspire, forcing water to ooze through the plant that contributes to the intensity of the fruit flavor. That means less spraying of vines, which saves money.
Wine is very sensuous.
That is exactly what's in the air out here. Though winemakers are conscious of the suffering that the drought is causing other farmers, they can barely contain their enthusiasm long enough to express sympathy. Winemakers cannot help but boast about their grapes compared to other brown and shriveled crops. The fruit is basically picture-perfect. Every state in the region produces wine of some sort.