Local grapes thriving amidst drought - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports

Local grapes thriving amidst drought

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LAKE CITY, Minn. (KTTC) -- While many farmers are struggling with a widespread drought, others are actually benefiting from this unusual weather.

Grapes at the Grape River Vineyard in Lake City are ripe a month early.

Owner of the Vineyard John Marshall says he usually harvests in late August or early September, but these grapes are already plump, sweet and ready to be picked from the vine.

He credits the dry weather in March and the cooling down late this summer, which he says is healthy for growing grapes.

Marshall sells his grapes at the Grape River Vineyard Nursery in Lake City and also every Saturday at the Rochester Farmers' Market.

He's allowing customers to pick their own grapes earlier in the season because they ripened so quickly.

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