Wines & Vines

Collector's Edition WINES&VINES 123 NORTHWEST MOBILE FILTRATION SERVICES C R O S S F LO W F I LT R AT I O N TC A -T B A R E M O VA L L E E S F I LT R AT I O N D E - A LCO H O L I Z AT I O N U LT R A F I LT R AT I O N E T HY L AC E TAT E R E M O VA L P H A D J U S T M E N T S M O K E TA I N T R E M O VA L VA A D J U S T M E N T 4 E P- 4 E G T R E AT M E N T OFFICE: 707.257.2080 MOBILE: 707.260.4011 FILTRATION@WINETECH.US WWW.WINETECH.US JOIN US AT THE 2019 UNIFIED WINE & GRAPE SYMPOSIUM! BOOTH #H2 VINTAGE 2018 BRITISH COLUMBIA Peter Mitham Northwest correspondent Wines & Vines British Columbia experienced largely favorable conditions throughout a growing season that saw pest and disease pressure kept in check and supporting hopes of above-average yields that could push this year's harvest toward 35,000 tons. Wildfire smoke was a concern, and sev- eral wineries tested fruit for signs of taint. There are minimal con- cerns for the 2018 vintage, how- ever, given the lack of taint from wildfire events in previous years. A crisp end to the season allowed good flavor development com- bined with a crisp acidity that promises stellar wines. A warm spring delivered a blast of heat in late April that culmi- nated in localized flooding in early May. However, the moisture disappeared as hot weather con- tinued through May and acceler- ated budbreak. The season seemed set to deliver another early harvest until wildfire smoke settled over the southern half of B.C. in late July and into August, reducing sunlight and contribut- ing to moderation in tempera- tures. The first grapes for sparkling wine came off in late August, with harvest beginning in earnest after Labor Day. Harvest continued into November. Good yields will help address growing demand for red grapes, for which prices are approaching $3,000 (all figures in Canadian dol- lars) a ton. Cabernet Sauvignon averages $2,800 a ton versus $2,300 a ton for Chardonnay, based on the industry's 2017 crop report. Many varieties have posted double-digit increases. Several wineries have met demand by ex- panding plantings, sometimes into new, high-elevation sites. An es- tablished vineyard can fetch $200,000 an acre. While wildfire and water manage- ment are on the minds of many growers, labor is an ongoing con- cern. Many wineries source work- ers through Canada's temporary foreign worker programs, which continue to see changes. Several applications faced delays in 2018, adding to concerns regarding the shortage of domestic workers. IDAHO Snake River AVA, Lewis- Clark Valley AVA and Central Idaho Moya Dolsby Executive director Idaho Grape Growers & Wine Producers Commission Yields for 2018 were up, primarily for two reasons: bounce-back year from the freeze in 2016 and 2017, and the Pacific Northwest in gen- eral had a higher-yielding growing season. Higher-end fruit was higher-yielding, but also kept up the quality. This is primarily due to a Goldilocks season (not too hot, not too cold), as well as vineyard practices to keep quality high. ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° Reported quality is very high across the region, and many think it will be one of the best vintages in recent history. Patty Skinkis Associate professor and viti- culture extension specialist Oregon State University

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