Washington's Wine Harvest Impacted By Last Year's Summer Heat: Report

WASHINGTON — Washington's grape vinyards felt the impacts of a record-breaking run of heat last summer in the Pacific Northwest, but some varieties flourished despite an overall low yield. The Washington State Wine Commission on Thursday released its annual Grape Production Report, noting the effects of a "heat dome" that settled over Washington in June 2021.

"Both 2020 and 2021 were small harvests, but unlike the previous year where a myriad of factors contributed to a smaller harvest, in 2021 there was really one major factor that impacted yield size across the state — the historic heat event in June," said Steve Warner, the commission's president.

The report found vineyards generally fared well amid several days of triple-digit heat, but growers reported smaller berry and cluster sizes. Overall, Washingon vineyards harvested 179,600 tons of wine grapes, up slightly from 2020, but still considered a relatively small year. With warm temperatures winning out for the rest of the growing season, the wine commission said 2021's harvest was among the warmest vintages on record.

Cabernet Sauvignon continued to be Washington's most-produced variety, accounting for 28 percent of the total harvest at 50,865 tons. Chardonnay was a distant second, representing 14 percent of the harvest at 25,675 tons, followed by Riesling, Merlot, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc.

Despite a smaller yield, growers found the fruit to be especially high quality come harvest time.

"Though a very warm year, temperatures did cool down to allow for extended ripening through September and October," Warner said. "Our winemakers and growers reported the overall quality of the fruit to be fantastic with great flavor and concentration."

While total crop returns were just a sliver above 2020, some varieties experienced significant growth, including a 15 percent boost to Syrah harvests and an 8 percent jump for Sauvignon Blanc. The commission found that growers made about $35 less per ton, averaging $1,460. Mourvèdre harvests were the priciest, selling for an average of $2,447 per ton.

Here is a summary of the 2021 takeaways from the Washington State Wine Commission: