Chautauqua County’s grape crop suffered a devastating frost in April.
WESTFIELD — Seasonal crisp conditions returned to this community near the Lake Erie shore last weekend as the summer began to wane. With the exception of scattered showers, it was a nearly perfect day to celebrate one of Chautauqua County’s great treasures: its grape crop.
During the second Grape and Wine Festival in the village and town, there was plenty to take in when it came to our world-renowned fruit. Pies, cheesecake, jelly and juice provided a welcome flavor while the area wineries also raised a glass or two as part of the celebration.
Downtown, vendors filled Moore Park with plenty of activity and shopping options. At the Grape Discovery Center, visitors took advantage of hay wagon rides to get a look at the dedicated work that goes into maintaining vineyards. Attendees were also allowed to get an up-close view of the impressive harvesters and conveyors.
Current methods for this type of farming are nothing like previous generations. The machinery has reduced labor costs while speeding the gathering and preparation process for the crop.
But despite the pleasant presentations and buzz of activity last weekend, there is a harsh reality for many tied to the industry. This year’s grape harvest is hurting.
Since early May, the damage has been no secret. Despite a mild winter, one untimely four-hour frost on April 25 had many of the growers already planning for next year.
“Last year, the average Concord tonnage across the belt was approximately 9.5 tons per acre,” said Jennifer Phillips Russo, viticulture specialist at Cornell’s Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory Regional Grape Program, in late July. “We did experience high crop levels. Historical average is more along 7 to 8 tons per acre. Where the frost hit in Chautauqua County, estimates are coming in 1 to 2 tons per acre. The areas that were not affected have a nice crop on them.”
Cornell officials projected crop loss ranges from around 15% to 20% at the state border in Ripley, to 50% to 75% in Westfield, to 80% to 100% near Silver Creek. By comparison, 0 to 5% of the grape crop near North East, Pa. may have been affected by the freeze.
What’s taking place in our region is just the opposite for the Finger Lakes. This year, officials in Central New York expect the harvest to be above average with varieties producing more fruit than usual.
That’s tremendous when considering where that wine-producing region was in 2023, which was a major struggle. Cornell Cooperative Extension noted during that spring — on May 18 — vineyards there “experienced the worst spring freeze event that growers can remember. Temperatures fell below freezing around midnight and continued to drop for several hours, before finally rebounding shortly after sunrise. … Because of the duration of sub-freezing temperatures, the damage to shoots was quickly apparent, with shoots turning brown and black within hours of sunrise.”
Most of this year’s success to the east is due to the vines having one year off due to that unfortunate weather. Growers here are hoping for that same type of turnaround in 2025.
There’s no question regarding the impact here this year. During a meeting shortly after the frost, officials said the losses will be in the millions for the economy and growers here.
“Unfortunately grapes are a lot like going to the casino because Mother Nature has a very (strange) way of playing the odds not in your favor,” said Ryan Norton, who led the hayride tour last weekend. He is an employee of Westfield Ag & Turf, which was a major sponsor of the festival. Store officials say Norton was one of 20 employees who pitched in during the event.
Cornell Cooperative Extension estimates that more than 20,000 acres of grapes grown on the Lake Erie Plain make this county the leading grape producing county in the state. It helps the region support about 2,000 jobs and contributes upward of $300 million in economic impact. Those facts are well worth celebrating, especially starting today when another, longer-running Festival of Grapes gets underway.
Silver Creek’s 57th event includes a return of rides, music and begins with the customary stomping of grapes. It kicks off at 5 p.m. and concludes on Sunday with the traditional parade beginning at 1 p.m.
John D’Agostino is the editor of The Post-Journal, OBSERVER and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 716-487-1111, ext. 253.