Early Ice Wine harvest

While most people aren’t enjoying the frigid temperatures, winemakers are rejoicing! This early cold snap means some wineries are getting a head start on making their icewine.

Students and faculty gathered in the vineyard at 4 am this morning when temperatures dipped below -8.

“Its got to be below -8 for several hours. We’re at -9 right now so we’re in good shape and the fruit is rock hard little marbles.” Gavin Robertson, winemaker & instructor.

An early cold snap meant a much earlier harvest than usual..

“We’re out here in November which is extremely early for the region, the earliest the college has ever picked. Sometimes we’re out here in February picking, so it really depends and is all about temperature.” Craig Youdale, food and wine institute, dean.

One of the advantages to picking the grapes earlier in the season is that the fruit quality is different and able to produce unique flavours.