ROSEBURG — The Umpqua Valley wine grape harvest has been busy, noisy and productive — far different than last year’s low output.

“Last year was a practical disaster,” said Greg Cramer, owner of MarshAnne Landing outside Oakland. “I’m very pleased with the fruit that came in this year. We’re about three weeks ahead of last year.”

No rain has fallen in central Douglas County since July 20, and sunny days have allowed grapes to ripen.

Clear skies also have meant the risk of an early frost, prompting wineries to fire up commercial fans to keep the fruit from freezing ...