Mount Nittany Winery Completed Harvest After Freeze
The 6-acre vineyard managed its harvest despite losing two-thirds of its grapes to an April freeze.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Wine
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Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery in Harris Township completed its 2026 grape harvest on September 15. The operation suffered a significant yield loss of two-thirds of its crop due to a severe freeze event earlier this year.
Why it matters
A late-April frost caused widespread destruction across Pennsylvania, with total estimated damages to fruit and specialty crops reaching between $150 million and $200 million. Lawmakers responded to this agricultural crisis by establishing a $10 million state grant program to assist affected growers.
The Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery operates across a 6-acre property in Centre County. State officials allocated $10 million for the Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant program to support specialty crop producers, with applications closing on September 21.
The players
Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery
This is a winery located in Harris Township that produces grapes on a 6-acre vineyard.
The details
Temperatures dropped into the 20s on April 21, 2026, triggering severe damage to fruit and specialty crops throughout the state. Despite the substantial loss during the current season, the vineyard expects a return to a normal harvest cycle next year.
Timeline
April 21, 2026: A freeze caused temperatures to drop into the 20s.
September 15, 2026: Mount Nittany Vineyard and Winery finished its harvest.
September 21, 2026: The state application period for disaster grants ended.
Roadmap
The agricultural sector in Pennsylvania has increasingly had to adapt to unpredictable spring weather patterns that threaten annual yields. This legislative grant program represents a critical financial lifeline for small-scale specialty crop growers attempting to stabilize operations following significant climate-driven disruptions.
Local consumers may see tightened availability or price adjustments for fruit and wine products sourced from the affected regions. Those who rely on specialty crop farms for their food supply can monitor local agricultural office updates regarding the distribution of the state's recovery grant funds.
The takeaway
Growers can implement protective measures like wind machines or heaters to mitigate future frost damage, though such investments remain costly. Maintaining contact with state agricultural departments remains essential for small farmers seeking financial support during disaster recovery.
Further reading
For more information on the industry's response to changing climate conditions, visit the Wine section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by StateCollege.
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Do you believe state disaster grants provide adequate support for small farms during crop failure years?
