United States: frost may have destroyed much of New York State’s wine crop

Following four consecutive days of record high temperatures during April 2023, temperatures fell below freezing on 18 May 2023, wreaking havoc on vineyards in New York State, the third largest wine producer in the United States.

The Finger Lakes region suffered widespread damage, but vineyards in the Hudson River wine region reportedly were not hurt as severely and the Long Island region may have avoided damage due to the ocean’s influence.

Although severe spring frosts have not been an issue in the state, winegrowers there reportedly may begin investing in frost prevention equipment, such as wind machines and smudge pots, but small and medium sized operations may find the equipment unaffordable.