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Updated 07/06/2012 06:36 PM

Wineries rejoicing over hot and dry weather

Happiness over the heat. Vineyard owners are expecting a great harvest as the hot sun pounds down on their crops. YNN's Elaina Athans explains.

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WURTSBORO, N.Y. -- "It's really going to smooth them out and make a nice high quality wine," said Basha Kill Vineyards Owner Paul Deninno.

This hot and dry weather is the ideal cocktail for making great wines. Vineyard owners are rejoicing over the heat, while most of us are sweating it out and just trying to stay cool.

"The more sun, you get higher sugars and it’s going to reduce the acidity," said Deninno.

The Basha Kill Vineyards is Sullivan County's first organic winery and it has won numerous awards. The owner says the high temperatures will produce excellent red wine in particular, and it's been a couple years since there's been a good red season.

"Year to year definitely makes a huge difference. You’re at Mother Nature’s mercy," said Deninno.

This hot weather comes on the heels of what's described as a disastrous season. Last summer, there was a lot of rain and Tropical Storms Lee and Irene only further hurt the harvest.

Deninno said, "It never gave the vines a break. So it was just heavy disease pressure and especially growing organically, they’re only a few things you can spray and it was too much.”

The entire crop was a wash and thousands of dollars were lost. Now that things are looking brighter outside, this vineyard is gambling on Mother Nature's good graces. More vines are being added.

"We cleared another acre-and-a-half so we’re going to be planting another 600 vines as well,” said Deninno.

This year's crop will be harvested around October, so by the fall, folks should be able to taste the fruits of labor behind these sun-soaked grapes.