Vineyard battles back against heat wave

CRAB ORCHARD, WV (WVNS) – Wineries like Daniel Vineyards see their peak in business during the Spring and Summer. For 2024, the state of West Virginia has had one of its hottest summers on record, though.

So how did this record setting heat wave affect vineyards which are usually all in favor of the heat?

“It’s kind of been hit and miss. Some vineyards have not done well with it. We got a couple that seem like they are going to turn out okay. So, we are kind of seeing this new territory for us. We are not really used to having this, this kind of drought weather,” said current owner, Rich Daniel.

When the water grows scarce, water irrigation on site helps to make sure the crops are properly hydrated.  Unfortunately, the vineyard did lose some crops due to the heat none the less.

It’s not all bad though.

Daniel says when the sun is out, so are the customers.

“No rain is always great for business out here. So maybe a few degrees cooler, we wouldn’t have hated it. To stay in the low 80’s or something we didn’t have to go into the 90’s. But we will take what we can get,” said Daniel.

The vineyard also grows blueberries and roses on the property. Daniel says as they head into their slower months, he hopes that many more people will visit the property.

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