Some US sources use a climatic statistic called HEAT UNITS which is defined as the accumulated (positive) difference between the daily mean temp and 50 deg. F from March to October inclusive. Less than 1500 HU would require a VE (very early) variety, 1500 to 1700 will allow E and 1700 to 2000 may include M varieties. Does anybody know a source of daily climatic data (Comox is probably my closest station)? The monthly data that I have from AES Canada indicates about 1490, but daily figures would raise that number. Are there other indicators? Nearby experience is always a great place to start but there are no established vinyards that I know of except for about 100k south of here.
more on Heat Units From AG Canada: http://www.geog.ubc.ca/courses/klink/g470/class02/apirzade/growingdegrees.htm
