Description:
<jats:p>This paper provides a summary of observational data from a reference vineyard network in the Southern Oregon American Viticultural Area (AVA). The network was established to collect baseline data on spatial variations in temperature, grapevine phenology, and composition characteristics across a collection of varieties grown in the region. The results from the period 2003 through 2017 show a wide diversity of climate types for winegrape production ranging from relatively cool to relatively warm conditions (GST 14.8 to 17.5°C and GDD 1109 to 1657). One unique climate aspect is that the region experiences higher diurnal temperature ranges during the growing season than regions in Europe and many others in the western US. Grapevine phenological timing and intervals between events are similar to other wine regions with budbreak averaging 14-Apr, flowering 14-Jun, véraison 19-Aug. However, harvest dates are up to ten days to two weeks later than many regions in Europe. Ripening period and harvest composition observations reveal the diversity of potential varieties that the region can ripen. Over all varieties, sites and vintages observed harvest composition averages 23.7 °Brix, 6.4 g/L total acidity, a pH of 3.44, and yields of 2.7 tons/acre.</jats:p>