Find information about University of Minnesota-bred grapes and nurseries that sell specific grape varieties on the Minnesota Hardy website.
Vineyard production and grape farming
Grape production has a rich history in Minnesota, and the University of Minnesota is known for its contributions to breeding and developing modern cold-hardy grape varieties through its fruit breeding program.
According to the 2022 farm census, over 1,290 acres of grapes are grown on 433 Minnesota farms. While the majority of grapes grown in Minnesota are for making wine, some table grape varieties are also grown here.
The University has released several new cold-hardy table grape varieties in recent years that are grown throughout the state and surrounding regions.
Find information on this page specific to UMN grape varieties, wine making, and the Extension online course, “Growing Grapes in Minnesota: Vineyard Management.”
Growing grapes in Minnesota
As a vine crop, grapes require a trellis structure to train growth and support the weight of fruit and vegetative canopies. Establishing grapes takes multiple years to build structure into the training system chosen for production.
Beyond extreme cold, some challenges for grape production in the Upper Midwest include the potential for late-spring frosts, frequent early-season rainfall, and high humidity throughout the summer. The increase in rain events and humidity can create an environment favorable for plant pathogens present in the vineyard, on or near grapevines, to cause an infection.
With these challenges, growers may expect to replace older vine parts during some years or consider different training systems to tolerate spring frosts better.
Similar to other fruit crops, we recommend making any necessary land amendments before planting grapes.
Resources
Wine making
The University of Minnesota Grape Breeding and Enology website has more information on wine production for cold-climate wine grapes, along with enology-related events.
Spotted wing drosophila
In Minnesota, SWD primarily attacks raspberries, blackberries, other cane berries, blueberries, strawberries and wine grapes.
Growing cold-climate grapes: Vineyard management
Extension offers a free, web-based curriculum that provides up-to-date educational materials on growing cold-hardy grapes in Minnesota. This online, self-paced course is perfect for training new staff or reviewing the basics and provides support for current and future grape growers.
- , Extension educator, food systems and fruit production
- , Extension horticulturist, grape breeding and enology
- , Extension educator, integrated pest management
, University of Minnesota Department of Horticultural Science
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