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124 WINES&VINES January 2017 VINTAGE 2016 BRITISH COLUMBIA Peter Mitham Northwest correspondent Wines & Vines British Columbia saw its earliest- ever bud break this year, when vines in the Fraser Valley budded out the first week of March. The early start to the season was mirrored in other growing re- gions, but cool weather in June slowed progress. A wave of wet weather that swept through the Okanagan Valley in July helped keep vines hydrated, but without the damage other crops experi- enced. The rain showers made disease suppression challenging and led to overgrowth on some of the more vigorous varieties, however. Growers in the Similkameen Val- ley reported heading into vérai- son a full three weeks ahead of average. Harvest likewise got off to an early start, with the first grapes being picked in mid-Au- gust. Vineyards on Black Sage Road in the South Okanagan saw grapes harvested as early as Aug. 17. Summer brought few days above 35° C (95° F), the point at which B.C. vines shut down grape de- velopment, and moderate condi- tions continued through September and October. The re- sult was a long finish to an early season and fruit with a good bal- ance of acids and sugars. Most growers in the Okanagan were finished with harvest by late October. The 22 wineries regis- tered to pick grapes for ice wine had an opportunity Dec. 6, but intentions were generally down from previous years. The overall grape harvest promises to total more than 30,000 tons—the big- gest ever for the province. IDAHO Moya Dolsby Executive director Idaho Wine Commission Overall we saw an increase in yields of about 10%-15%. Our fruit was very clean this year and met our requirements for Brix and acidity. 2016 was about 10 days ahead of average bud break and bloom. We saw optimal weather during the berry development stage, which may explain the slight increase in yield. Harvest started about five days ahead of NORTHWEST How would you characterize the average quality of the 2016 harvest based on the grapes you grew, purchased or received? Excellent Good Normal NORTHWEST Quails Gate brings in the last of its fruit in the Okanagan Valley. 0% - Poor GRAPE QUALITY How would you describe the average yields of the 2016 harvest based on the grapes you grew, purchased or received? GRAPE YIELD Average Somewhat reduced Record crop Above average NORTHWEST 0% - Little to no crop If yields were reduced, which of the following had the most effect? YIELD REDUCTION REASON Pests Weather NORTHWEST