TRAVERSE CITY, MI (AP)-- Vineyards in Northwest Michigan are grappling with the possibility that they might lose their entire grape crop after severe storms blew through the area last weekend.
On August 2, three rounds of storms brought hail and strong winds of up to 100 mph. Apple, cherry and grape crops were hit hard in the Leelanau Peninsula, Old Mission Peninsula and the fruit belt near Elk Rapids.
Chateau Chantal in Traverse City is among the vineyards that have crop damage from the storms. Vintner Mark Johnson tells MLive.com that the company is operating on the assumption there may be no grape crop.
Although some of the grapes are all right, Johnson says there might not be enough to justify a harvest.
Most of the state's grape crops were already weakened by harsh conditions the past two winters.