Some Growers Are Cheering Drought

FAUQUIER CO., Va. (WUSA) -- This year's terrible drought could cost farmers across our region millions of dollars.

But those who grow one particular type of plant, stand to make a fortune.

In Fauquier County, Virginia, Tareq Salahi is all but dancing among his grapevines. "These grapes are very small. That's exactly what I'm looking for."

The drought that has neighboring farmers cursing has winemakers cheering. But quietly.

"We're very low key here," says Salahi, laughing.

Virginia has suddenly popped -- becoming one of the world's top wine regions. Wine Enthusiast Magazine has named Salahi's Oasis Winery one of the top ten in the world. And the dry weather could make the 2007 vintage even more spectacular.

"It's been an outstanding year. Best year ever for us. In 30 years, couldn't be better," says Salahi.

Grape vines have another feature that makes them even more drought tolerant. Their tap root goes straight down at the rate of about six inches a year. This vine is 30 years old, so you can imagine how deep it goes.

Oasis just harvested the cabernet sauvignon. The precious juice is already starting to ferment. "Beautiful raspberry big backbone, soft on pallet."

Its flavors are concentrated, more complex and intense, because they haven't been watered down by rain.

It's about time local wineries caught a break. The 2004 and 2006 harvests were wiped out by rain and hurricanes. But Salahi says, "2007 is a blockbuster."

Maybe he'll offer a little to help his neighbors drown their sorrow.

Oasis is so happy about the harvest, it's having a big party Saturday afternoon at the winery in Hume to kick off Virginia Wine Month.