Here’s a news item from the Associated Press: CALDWELL, Idaho (AP) — Weather in 2015 made for a smaller wine grape harvest in Idaho, which officials say could affect production of some favored wine varieties. The Capital Press of Salem, Oregon, reports (http://bit.ly/1Qck1KB ) that total wine grape tonnage in Idaho was down by almost 50 percent in 2015. According to the Idaho Wine Commission the smaller harvest will lead to a limited production of merlot, viognier and chardonnay varietals this year. Officials say higher temperatures, an early first frost and mildew from rapid cooling and summer rain hurt crops, particularly in southern Idaho. Northern Idaho vineyards were not as affected. Despite the smaller crop, the Idaho Wine Commission says the quality of grapes was better than usual this year as the warmer weather provided more growing-temperature days.