Texas wine grape growers expect quality vintage for 2023

Cook said harvest was in full swing in North Texas. Red grape harvest is nearing completion, while white grape harvest is complete. He estimated 70% of vineyards would be picked by this weekend.

A few “new” varieties for North Texas, including picpoul blanc, camminare noir and paseante noir, had their first harvest this season, Cook said.

Vines in North Texas eased into the season as spring brought rains and mild temperatures, which helped healthy growth, he said. Some vineyards experienced spring frost, hail and even tornado damage while others experienced ideal spring growing conditions.

Black rot and downy mildew were particularly problematic later in the season due to the wet and mild spring weather, but many producers were able to maintain proactive spray fungicide regimens to combat the disease, Cook said.

Mother Nature turned up the heat as anticipated but began at a more normal time compared to last year’s 100-degree temperatures in May, he said. Unfortunately, more than 20 days of 100-plus degree days in a row with very warm nights and no rain hastened ripening at a critical time in fruit development, which stalled Brix levels at around 1820 for many.

“Yields reports coming in so far ranged from light to moderate to bumper, and although sugar counts were lower, pH and acids were ideal,” he said. “While yields varied, overall quality was very good, and hopefully that translates into good vintage.”