The Wine Knows

The first widespread frost of the season is expected this weekend, according to weather forecasts. Saturday's low temperature is predicted to drop below 30.

Frosts can toast leaves on vines in low-lying areas. If leaves can no longer capture sunlight, then it's really, really difficult for grapes to continue to accumulate sugar and flavor development.

Vines planted at higher elevations and on slopes are less-susceptible to frost issues, while those planted in low-lying areas can get hit pretty hard by frosts like those expected this weekend.

The vineyard in front of Bookwalter Winery in Richland, Wash., (a little over a mile from my house) always seems to get toasted on weekends like this. Owner John Bookwalter knows it - and often jokes about it. For me, it's a good barometer for how widespread an early frost is.