Weatherwatch: does August rain bring honey and wine?

The old saying about late summer rain being good for vineyards and bees may be plausible

Each month has its weather folklore, and according to one old saying: When it rains in August, it rains honey and wine."

Historically, vineyards were not irrigated, and some winemakers believe natural rainfall is needed to keep the all-important terroir characteristic of a particular area. Irrigation increases the grape yield, potentially quadrupling the weight per hectare, but supposedly reduces wine quality. Similarly drought years are sometimes said to produce the best vintages.