We spent last weekend in harvest mode. My sister-in-law and her younger daughter visited us.

Saturday found us on a hayride and picking pumpkins out in the patch, while we spent Sunday trying to figure our way out of a corn maze.

But, this time of year also means it’s time for the grape harvest.

The Long Island wine region is one where vintage matters. Unlike California, which has much consistent weather from year to year, our maritime climate is frought with many perils. This year was particularly full, with frost, hail, rain and temperatures which widely swung from very hot to very cool. Not surprisingly, yields are down throughout the region.

For most wineries, the white grapes have been picked and fermentation has begun. However, Wolffer Estate in the Hamptons is letting its Chardonnay gather a little more hang time before being picked. The red grapes have completely turned color and are awaiting their turn, with some people picking this week and others continuing to wait, despite the risks.

Reports also indicate increased costs associated with vineyard management as well as wine production, so it is possible that we will see an increase in wine prices. Land values are extremely expensive in this area, further compounding the problem and limiting expansion efforts for all, but the wealthy few.

All in all, the 2008 vintage will be a challenging one.