Amidst challenges, the 2023 Texas wine grape season is poised to deliver quality outcomes. Experts from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service have shared their insights, shedding light on the grape harvest in different regions.
In the Gulf Coast, the season has yielded exceptional results. Grape quality has surpassed expectations, and higher yields have been recorded. Vineyards in this region successfully avoided the seasonal rains that may have endangered grape clusters. The use of hot climate varieties has proven advantageous, as they flourished in the Texas heat, benefiting from the absence of humidity-loving fungal diseases.
North Texas is in the midst of an active harvest, with red grape collection nearing completion and white grape harvest successfully concluded. Despite challenges like spring frost, hail, and disease pressures, the overall grape quality remains high. While the heat impacted sugar levels, pH and acids were optimal.
Similar conditions were witnessed in the Hill Country. With a better crop load compared to the previous year, vineyards navigated black rot outbreaks and enduring heat. We are optimistic about the future, as we believe that the recovery period between harvest and dormancy will set us up for success next season.