The following CNN weather news video is an update to the devastating U.S. drought, which has been destroying crops throughout the summer of 2012. In this August 18 CNN story, you will learn why wine makers are actually deriving benefit from this hot, dry weather.
Jennifer Montgomery is with Wine America. She says wine makers think the grapes being grown in the Midwest wineries will actually be of better quality this season. This is because the berries are smaller, and the sugar is more concentrated.
Chris Blosser is with Breaux Vineyards. While some rain is good, too much rain can take away from the flavor of grapes. It can also promote mildew and other diseases that affect grapes.
The drawback to having too little rain can is a lower overall output. The lower overall amount of grapes results in a correspondingly lower amount of wine production. Nonetheless, Blosser is optimistic that this 2012 season will be good for wine producers.