The January storms that pummelled California washed out the roads and burst river banks, making even the simplest commute treacherous. Their tasting room closed for four days. But even so, he was thrilled.
The atmospheric rivers that swept through California for two weeks caused an estimated $30bn (£24bn) in damage. Up and down the state, the torrents collapsed hillsides, uprooted trees, and washed out highways. At least 20 people died, and millions were under flood warnings.
But the rain also provided a desperately needed gift to California’s famed wineries, which have endured three years of drought, extreme wildfires, and the spiralling doom loop of climate change. The rains have replenished the groundwater and refilled reservoirs, giving winemakers hope for a productive growing season.
Winter rains, which nourish vines while they are still dormant and have not yet started to grow grapes, are “almost always a good thing,” said Mr Haas. “It will ensure that the vines have enough vigour to ripen the crop this year,” he continued. “It’s not a guarantee the wines are going to be great, but it eliminates one of the biggest worries that we have: that there’s not going to be enough water to keep the vines growing.”
Article URL : https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-64338378