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132 WINES&VINES January 2017 VINTAGE 2016 If yields were reduced, which of the following had the most effect? YIELD REDUCTION REASON Pests EAST How would you characterize the average quality of the 2016 harvest based on the grapes you grew, purchased or received? Excellent Normal Good How would you describe the average yields of the 2016 harvest based on the grapes you grew, purchased or received? GRAPE YIELD Above average Record crop Somewhat reduced Average EAST EAST ably warm with more than 40 days above 30° C (86° F), while normal is around six days above 30° C. In some cases, it was so hot that vine development stopped and did not resume until things cooled down. For this reason, some vine- yards had lower than expected Brix despite high growing degree-days. Mites were more numerous in 2016 than other years, a reflec- tion of hot, dry conditions. Other pests were easily managed and no significant problems developed. Optical sorters on harvesters were used at some locations with good results. There was more in- terest in trickle water systems in the area due to drought. No major logistical issues came up other than scheduling to avoid inclement weather during harvest. It was a typical season in Ontario. As usual, no major challenges for most cultivars. Late-season reds harvest and scheduling is always being reviewed and managed. Grapes left for ice wine were in good shape and awaiting proper conditions for picking. PENNSYLVANIA Linda Jones McKee Editor Wine East Pennsylvania's grape harvest varied in quality and quantity, depending on the location of the vineyard within the state and the attention to detail such as spray schedules by the grower. Some called 2016 "the perfect harvest," while others re- ported it was "pretty challenging." In dry regions, berries were smaller in size until some rain arrived in Au- gust, but then yields were reduced if sprays were not applied in a timely fashion. The warm nights in the southeast region resulted in slower ripening, and high humidity levels increased the disease pres- sure. Overall, both quantity and quality should be good, especially in the red varieties. After a milder winter, summer tem- peratures were very warm across Pennsylvania, both during the day and at night. The northwest around Erie and throughout the mountain region were very dry from May through July, but rain occurred sporadically in August and into September. The southeast was hotter with more humidity, and Harvest begins at Bluestone Vineyard in Bridgewater, Va. GRAPE QUALITY Weather