© 2024 Milwaukee Public Media is a service of UW-Milwaukee's College of Letters & Science
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Conditions in California Challenge Wine Makers

US Air Force
/
Flickr
California has not only been facing a record draught, but numerous wildfires continue to spread throughout the state creating a difficult climate for both people and agriculture.

As harvesting of grapes gets into full gear, it’s an exciting time of year for wine lovers, and a busy time of year for wine makers. However, some states have been dealing with great challenges this growing and harvesting season.

The state of California faces one of the most severe droughts on record, while crews struggle to keep numerous wildfires under control. The high heat index, hazy atmosphere and lack of water present huge challenges for the state's wine makers.

The 2015 vintage will be a notable way to separate the wheat from the chaff, Lake Effect's wine contributor, Ray Fister, says.

"When you have more challenging conditions you have to look at how are you going to deal with the grapes when they were harvested, how would you shape that wine to be what you want it to be. That's really where the craft and art of wine making comes in," Fister says.

Bonnie North
Bonnie joined WUWM in March 2006 as the Arts Producer of the locally produced weekday magazine program Lake Effect.
Ray Fister is the co-creator and voice of the wine blog and podcast Life Between the Vines. Fister is also the owner and engineer of 5th Floor Recording Company. He has 30 years experience in professional recording, including 21 years working in the Milwaukee market.