Growers along the west coast are rushing to pick grapes after a cool summer led to a late harvest.
The harvest is about three weeks behind because workers were waiting to let the grapes ripen. If they can beat the coming frost, vintners say the grapes have the potential to make great wine.
With less sun and heat, grapes develop less sugar, which means they'll produce wines with slightly less alcohol but full and balanced flavors.
Winemakers say this year's American vintages will be more like those produced France and Italy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Filling up your cart at the grocery store has gotten a little bit cheaper.
The latest "American Farm Bureau Federation Market Basket Survey" looks at the total cost of 16 food items that can be used to prepare one or more meals.
During the third quarter of 2010, the cost was $46.17. That's down by a $1.03 compared to the second quarter of 2010.
Sliced deli ham, sirloin tip roast, flour, bread and eggs declined the most in dollar value compared to the second quarter. Items that went up in prices were boneless chicken breasts, potatoes, bacon, whole milk, apples and ground chuck.
The U.S.D.A. says Americans spent just under 10 percent of their disposable annual income on food, the lowest average of any country in the world.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A California pumpkin took the top prize at the Half Moon Bay world championship weigh-off.
Ron Root, a grower from Citrus Heights grew a pumpkin that weighed-in at more than 1,500 pounds. The winner gets six dollars per pound, so root is expected to bring home more than $9,000.
It's the first time a California pumpkin has taken the grand prize since 1999.
