Harsh Minnesota winter stomps out grape harvest
Minnesota grape growers are reporting a harvest shortage after an especially harsh winter.
Minnesota Grape Growers president Irv Geary tells KARE-TV many northern vineyards have lost all or most of their grapes this year. He says a Forest Lake winery will harvest about 7,000 pounds of grapes this year compared to its usual 25,000 pounds.
A University of Minnesota horticulture professor says the past winter was particularly tough on grape vines because of prolonged freezing. Minnesota's 50 wineries grow grapes that are designed to endure colder weather.
Geary says some wineries are considering using grapes from other parts of the country.
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