Drought is expected to produce some of the best wine ever in the Midwest.
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HERMANN, MO. (AP) -- The extreme drought in the Midwest is taking its toll on farmers and livestock producers.
However, it's expected to produce some of the best wine ever in the Midwest.
Grape growers say their vineyards are for the most part resilient to the months of battering heat and dryness.
That's because grape varieties commonly planted in the Midwest have roots that can reach dozens of feet below the surface to get at water tables.
The dryness also tends to keep away pests and disease.
Winemakers say the drought has left the surviving grapes with concentrated flavors and sugar, stoking the promise of standout wine.
But there's a downside. If the drought continues into coming years, conditions could eventually overly stress the vines and require installation of pricy irrigation systems.
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