grapes

A vineyard worker drives a grape harvester tractor in the Bordeaux region of southwestern France, where climate change is raising new challenges for winemakers.

Climate Change Is Disrupting Centuries-Old Methods Of Winemaking In France

11:04am November 05, 2019

by Eleanor Beardsley

Drier, hotter weather — as well as drastic episodes of rain, hail and cold — has affected alcohol levels, weeds and harvest. The government is trying to help, but can France adapt quickly enough?

Forty percent of Segassia Vineyard's vines were damaged after wildfires raged through Napa Valley in 2017.

Father-Son Duo Turns Ruined Grapes Into Tasty Aid For Napa Fire Victims

8:02am September 20, 2018

by Kelsey Ogletree

The Cates family has been turning excess wine grapes into raisins as a way to reduce food waste. Since last year's devastating fires in California's wine-growing region, they've expanded.

The champagne grape harvest in northeastern France, like this one near Mailly-Champagne, started early this year due to lack of rain.

Champagne Makers Bubble Over A Bumper Crop Caused By European Drought

5:51am September 13, 2018

by Eleanor Beardsley

A record heat wave ruined crops across Europe this summer, but not all crops. Champagne growers are ecstatic over a bumper crop of grapes this year. Vintage 2018 is expected to be one of the best.

Queue Listen Now

Workers in dust masks wash fresh red bell peppers in smoky conditions outside of Eltopia, Wash. Even with the masks, the smoke is still causing tight chests, itchy eyes and dry throats.

As Wildfires Rage, Smoke Chokes Out Farmworkers And Delays Some Crops

7:03am August 29, 2018

by Anna King

Smoke from wildfires is blanketing much of the West. That's ruining some crops and may be stunting others. And it's making it difficult or unsafe for laborers to pick the harvest.

Queue Listen Now

Jerry Eisterhold runs Vox Vineyards in Weston, Mo. He's working to save long-lost American wine grape varietals.

Midwestern Vintner Saves The Forgotten Grapes That Saved Europe's Wines

10:49am May 03, 2018

by Laura Ziegler

Jerry Eisterhold wanted to make unique wines. It all started when he pulled a random, rare book from his shelf — a book written by a 19th-century horticulturist whose work had fallen into obscurity.

National

Muscadines May Be The Best Grapes You've Never Tasted

1:27pm September 26, 2017

by Tanya Ballard Brown

It's muscadine season, and for writer Tanya Ballard Brown, the smell and taste are a throwback to childhood. But for others who grew up outside the South, these thick-skinned grapes are a mystery.

Gary Broomell and his daughter, Debbie, pose behind a sign on their ranch in San Diego County. Their family has been growing citrus for generations, but lately, it's been hard staying in the black growing oranges, so they started a vineyard a few years ag

Squeezed By Drought, California Farmers Switch To Less Thirsty Crops

7:41am July 28, 2015

by Lesley McClurg

Water scarcity is leading farmers away from planting staples and towards planting higher-value, lower-water specialty crops. Think wine grapes and pomegranates instead of citrus and avocados.

Queue Listen Now