The harsh weather has forced many wineries to dig deep
into their pocketbooks, in hopes of rejuvenating what is left of their vineyards.
Michael Oubre owns the Rising Star Winery, and reflects on the recent years: "During a drought year, the vines really depend on deep moisture. We can water, but that pretty much takes care of the surface. It doesn't really soak into the deep roots."
Unlike other vineyards around the United States, the specific grapes harvested in Texas can handle the heat. The lack of water on the other hand, has left some of the vines bare and the winery owners unhappy.
"It's been a long, hard road, and we've lost probably 40 percent of our 24-year-old Cabernet vines. We had to cut them out, and now we have a big pile of dead wood", says Oubre.
Thankfully, things seem to be looking up. For the first time in about four years, the vines are on the mend and Oubre has no doubt in his mind that it's only up from here.
"This year is spectacular for us. We may actually have fruit to sell to other wineries for the first time in four or five years--which is great for our pocketbook," exclaims Oubre.
Rising Star Vineyards say they currently have no watering restrictions.
Michael Oubre owns the Rising Star Winery, and reflects on the recent years: "During a drought year, the vines really depend on deep moisture. We can water, but that pretty much takes care of the surface. It doesn't really soak into the deep roots."
Unlike other vineyards around the United States, the specific grapes harvested in Texas can handle the heat. The lack of water on the other hand, has left some of the vines bare and the winery owners unhappy.
"It's been a long, hard road, and we've lost probably 40 percent of our 24-year-old Cabernet vines. We had to cut them out, and now we have a big pile of dead wood", says Oubre.
Thankfully, things seem to be looking up. For the first time in about four years, the vines are on the mend and Oubre has no doubt in his mind that it's only up from here.
"This year is spectacular for us. We may actually have fruit to sell to other wineries for the first time in four or five years--which is great for our pocketbook," exclaims Oubre.
Rising Star Vineyards say they currently have no watering restrictions.
