Extra Rain Hurting Wineries
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MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. – The rainy weather is putting a damper on West Tennessee wineries because it could mean less wine. Carl O’Cain has been making wine for more than 10 years and said this soggy weather is not ideal. “The more rain, the less wine that would be the truth.” Winemakers are already at a major disadvantage because there is no natural draining system. The land is relatively flat in West Tennessee so heavy rain floods the grounds. Without the natural draining system there is a price to pay when dealing with mother nature. “In looking at the rains and heavy moisture we’ve had it’s increase the cost of protecting the vines and fungus.” O’Cain said he normally sprays for fungus every two weeks. This year has forced him to spray every week and those extra costs may be felt in the pockets of wine lovers. “On the hillside vineyards, I think they’ll be fine because of no wet feet but the vines are not in the ground. The leaves and the system are above ground and there’s moisture in the air. Yes, the more rain the less grapes.”
