While the drought has been devastating for most farmers, Ohio grape growers have something to cheer.
A winemaker in Williams County says the weather killed 70 percent of his crop, but what survived is exceptional.
It's the case at vineyards all across the state. This year's grapes could lead to the best vintage wine Ohio has ever produced.
Harvest is early this year at Stoney Ridge Farm and Winery in Bryan.
"We're going to be done about the time we normally start," says Pam Stotz, co-owner of the winery.
The vineyard's crop is also smaller thanks to the drought.
"It's unbelievable the drought even scared the birds away," says Phil Stotz, co-owner.
Stotz gave up his real estate broker job and got into the wine business 11 years ago. He says this year is bittersweet for the grapes growing on his 13 acres.
"I know we've lost probably 70 percent, but the grapes are phenomenal," says Stotz. "They have great sugars, they have low acids, they're going to make beautiful wine."
Stotz says the dry summer concentrated the surviving fruit's flavors and sugar which means higher alcohol content and lower acid.
"If you want to drink a Merlot or a Cab which is a dry red, you don't want any acid you want a nice soft red so there's no acid on your tongue," says Stotz.
These grapes go straight from the field to the crush.
Italian machinery crush, pump, and press the fruit for the juice.
That's then pumped into a nearly 400 gallon tank where it will ferment turning to alcohol.
When full, one tank alone will fill two thousand bottles.
"These are the best quality grapes probably ever, just way, way low production," says Stotz.
The wine being served in the tasting room is a 2011. However, the 2012 wines won't be ready to drink until 2013.
Phil Stotz is already thinking about next year's crop and putting in a drip irrigation system.
"Our vines are stressed but they'll survive," says Stotz.
His wife is simply looking forward to savoring a sip after a long day's work.
"I'm always looking forward to tasting the wine no matter what the year," says Pam.
Stoney Ridge Farm and Winery is located several miles off of the turnpike in Bryan. One average Stoney Ridge produces 6,000 cases of wine a year. That's more than 70,000 bottles.
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