US: Oregon set for bumper harvest

Barring last-minute bad weather, the Oregon region in the Pacific Northwest is set for another bumper wine harvest. The Oregon Agricultural Statistics Service is expecting the grape harvest will come in at around 23,300 tons this year, representing a 4% increase from last year's record-breaking crop. It will be the region's fifth big harvest in a row.

However, some are warning that the bumper crop will cause problems both in terms of storage and pricing. "The wineries don't have the capacity to take on another big harvest," said Betty O'Brien, executive director of the Oregon Wine Advisory Board.

The over-supply of grapes and large stocks are also expected to result in lower retail prices. The area under vine has increased by 23% in the last four years to around 11,100 acres but the recession has reduced sales of high-priced, premium wines.

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