Wineries Withstand Winter-Like Weather

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Story Published: Apr 20, 2008 at 5:52 PM PST

By Rudabeh Shahbazi

BENTON CITY-- They may seem fragile, but grapes are one of the hardiest fruits out there, and vineyards have even found a way to use the harsh weather to their advantage.

Despite the recent cold snap, wineries are still seeing tourists flood in, and a lot of them are coming for the ice wine. It's not in season yet, but with weather like this, wine makers are optimistic.

"I think they're [tourists] are attracted to the wine itself, but also they have a chance to go out and just be free and travel around in the open and see people and have a good time," said wine taster Rob Worcester, who was visiting the Kiona Winery from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Eastern Washington's nights have dipped below freezing this month, but still people are coming here from the west side, Idaho, Oregon and around the country-- which is a good thing, says Jeriann LeBlanc, of Kiona Winery.

Last year, the Kiona vineyard didn't yield any ice wine-- it wasn't cold enough. But come October, Kiona staff say, they're hoping for cream of the crop ice wine.

"We better get ice wine in 08!" said LeBlanc. "Otherwise, we'll run out. But I'm sure it'll get cold enough in 2008."

LeBlanc says this year's cold doesn't scare her. Grapes are tough and have withstood worse springs before. Besides, with devoted wine tasters like this, they're in good spirits.

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