Grapes In Minnesota Cold Climate Vineyards and Wineries

Latitudes of Wine Regions Rhine River – Germany 50º N Burgundy – France 47º N Château St Michele, Washington 46º N Rochester, Minnesota 44.9º N Bordeaux – France 44.5º N Tuscany – Italy 43.7º N

US Grape History “Old World” Grapes grown for 1000s of years By 1800, Europe was the center of the wine universe Phylloxera Plague mid-1800s wiped out 70% of all European vines Grafting to American vines saved the industry

Minnesota History Immigrants brought vines to the US 3000 vineyards in Minnesota in 1900, along with 300 Wineries Cabernet, Merlot, Concord, Catawba Vines typically buried in the winter Prohibition wiped out the industry Cost and risk to replant too steep to start over

Picking grapes in 1906

Minnesota Development Crossed European “old world” Vitas Vinifera with Native Vitas Riparia (“river grape”) T.V. Munson’s work in early 1900s University of MN Grape Breeding program started in 1908 Private breeders, like Elmer Swenson, developing varieties since 1940s

Minnesota Development Crossed European “old world” Vitas Vinifera with Native Vitas Riparia (“river grape”) T.V. Munson’s work in early 1900s University of MN Grape Breeding program started in 1908 Private breeders, like Elmer Swenson, developing varieties since 1940s

Frontenac Red Grape High in acid Cabernet Style Hardy to -35º F

LaCrescent White Grape Very sweet Riesling Style Hardy to -40º F

First Year

Second Year

Third Year

Fourth Year

Fifth & Up Year