DAYTON, Ohio (AP) — Ohio winemakers will ask for federal aid to help them recover after the harsh winter
that all but wiped out many varieties of grapes.
A winter damage survey report from Ohio State University viticultural researchers says the extreme
subzero temperatures devastated the 2014 vintage of some varieties of wines and caused around $4 million
in damage to wineries in the state.
The Dayton Daily News (http://bit.ly/1lMW8Af ) reported that the frigid temperatures caused a projected
loss of 97 percent of the 2014 crop of grape varieties of European heritage that are most well-known to
consumers, such as chardonnay, riesling, cabernet franc and pinot noir.
The crop loss will be about 57 percent to “hybrid” grapes that are slightly more tolerant of cold weather
but not as well known to consumers, such as vidal blanc, chambourcin and traminette, the report said.

The OSU report was based on a survey of 62 grape producers in 35 counties. Some of those vineyards
reported temperatures as low as 27 below zero, with an average lowest temperature recorded of 14 below.

Southwest Ohio wineries appear to have fared somewhat better than their counterparts in the northeastern
part of the state, especially if a large portion of their vineyards consisted of hardier grape
varieties. But they face a greatly reduced 2014 crop that may cause a shortage of some varieties of
wines over the next couple of years.
Those who visit Ohio wineries this summer probably won’t notice any negative impact, at least not on the
tasting-room menu, the state wine producers association said. The fall 2013 vintage was unusually large,
following a high-quality 2012 vintage.