LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Harvest season for grapes is usually in October, but weather conditions and a drop in alcohol sales have changed that for local farmers this year.<\/p>\n
Steve Newsom, owner of English Newsom Cellars, said dry weather and late rain led to harvest happening in September rather than October.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd it was a tough challenge all year long,\u201d Newsom said. \u201cIt felt like every turn we had, we had the weather that we wish would have gone a different direction, but we have, that\u2019s one thing we have no control over.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sales decline affects revenue<\/p>\n
Newsom also said a drop in alcohol sales has affected the winery\u2019s revenue.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd we read and we look what\u2019s going on because they\u2019re telling us it\u2019s some of the lowest sales in 20 years,\u201d Newsom said. \u201cWe\u2019ve heard as much as 20% down in general.\u201d<\/p>\n
Newsom said during seasons like this, it is more important to support local businesses. He said everything the winery does happens on the South Plains, from the seed to the glass.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, when you\u2019re making decisions on am I going to drink a Texas wine versus something else, you\u2019re not giving up quality,\u201d Newsom said. \u201cWhat you\u2019re giving up possibly is a little bit of history.\u201d<\/p>\n
Family-owned farms face challenges<\/p>\n
Newsom said he works to maintain quality for Texas consumers and said Texas loyalty is unmatched.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd we\u2019re out here with family-owned farms that aren\u2019t corporate and people have made huge investments in vineyards,\u201d Newsom said. \u201cAnd with the reduction overall in alcohol consumption, it\u2019s been a huge challenge.\u201d<\/p>\n
Newsom said these family-owned businesses face the same challenges as any other business, and it takes a community to solve them.<\/p>\n
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