SANTA MARIA, Calif. - A stable climate is preferred for grape growing but extreme heat like we're experiencing on the central coast, believe it or not, is actually welcomed by growers during picking season. That is, if they take the right precautions.
Picking season has been underway for the past month and typically continues into the fall depending on grape type. According to Laura Mohseni, the general manager of Riverbench vineyard and winery in Santa Maria, the unusually hot weather the past couple of days could make certain grape types ready to pick sooner than usual. But the vineyards have to step up water usage to make sure the grapes aren't damaged.
"When its hot and you know the grapes are staying on the vines we will double our watering regimen typically. So as you can see all these vines are getting watered right now and that will prevent raisining and dehydration."
According to Mohseni, doubling the water usage can mean each vine getting around 4 gallons per day. Mohseni also said that vineyards on the central coast try to keep their vines bushy and full of leaves to act as a sunscreen for the grapes because the sunlight in this area can do damage.
