what wine grapes grow in michigan

^{5 Things to Know About Michigan Wine}

1. Michigan is a grape-growing state. There are more than 13,000 vineyard acres in Michigan, and most of them contain juice-making grapes, such as Niagara and Concord.
2. Great Lakes make the difference. Set foot on a shore of the Great Lakes and it is easy to see why these massive bodies of water are such a ...
3. Location, location, location. There are five distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVA) in Michigan, each with its own unique grape-growing terroir.
4. Parallels. There is something about reaching the 45th parallel that makes you want to stop and take a picture. ...
5. Ice Wine. Have you had the pleasure of tasting Ice Wine? If so, you know what a treat it is. ...

What grapes can I grow in Michigan?

Hybrid Wine Grapes White wine varieties that do well in the state include "Cayuga White" (Vitis "Cayuga White"), "Chardonel" (Vitis "Chardonel"), "Seyval Blanc" (Vitis "Seyval Blanc"), "Traminette" (Vitis "Traminette") and "Vignoles" (Vitis "Vignoles"), all of which grow in USDA zones 5 through 9.

Can you grow red grapes in Michigan?

Growing grapes is more risky in mid-Michigan for less hardy varieties because the lake effect does not extend far inland; 20 miles is about the limit. Ideally, early maturing varieties need about 165 frost-free days. If new growth is not sufficiently mature before cold weather, injury to the vines is a likely result.

Can I grow wine grapes in my backyard?

Grapes will do well anywhere they can get sun, water and support – you can even grow them on a fence row. Just remember that the vines will most likely outlive the fence!

Can you grow grapes in northern Michigan?

The state can grow the many tender fruit crops that adjacent Midwestern states can't. In fact, Michigan finds it possible to not only grow such tender crops such as sweet cherries, apricots, and tart cherries, but also Vitis vinifera grape varieties which are typically susceptible to winter injury.

Why is Michigan wine so sweet?

Our cool climate here in Michigan brings about some high acid levels in our grapes, and not as much of that acid is metabolized as it would be somewhere warm (say, California). So in order to find that balance, we leave a bit more sugar in our wine.

Can I grow wine grapes?

Grow your own wine grapes! Maybe you've dabbled in making homemade wine and now are thinking about growing your own grapes. While wine grapes are by no means a plant-it-and-forget-it crop, a small backyard vineyard is possible to cultivate if you live in Zones 4-10.

Do you need two grapevines to produce fruit?

Most bunching grapes are self-fruitful and, thus, do not require a pollinator. That said, they will often benefit from having a pollinator nearby. The exception is Brighton, a common variety of grape that is not self-pollinating. Brighton does need another pollinating grape in order to set fruit.

How long does it take to grow grapes for wine?

three yearsMaking wine is a long, slow process. It can take a full three years to get from the initial planting of a brand-new grapevine through the first harvest, and the first vintage might not be bottled for another two years after that.

How many acres do you need for a vineyard?

If you hope to establish a profitable business, the minimum size you need is 5 acres. And that's if you're selling your wine direct to the consumer. If you aim to sell to the wholesale market, you'll need at least 10 acres to make it profitable, but ideally more to achieve economies of scale.

How many acres does it take to make wine?

Each ton of grapes will yield a little over 2 barrels. So, for a very low-yield high quality vineyard, 1 acre will produce 2 tons of fruits resulting in 4+ barrels or about 1400 bottles or 116 cases. For cheaper wines, a high-yield vineyard, with 10 tons of grapes per acre, that 7,000 bottles or over 580 cases.

Can you eat Marquette grapes?

The plants grow fast and can quickly cover a trellis or lattice frame to provide a privacy screen or shade over an arbor or pergola. The edible fruits are perfect for eating fresh, using in jam or wine recipes, or leaving on the vine for birds and other wildlife to enjoy.

How many wineries are in Michigan?

You will be sure to find that perfect wine with more than 140 wineries to choose from across the state. With four certified American Viticulture Areas across the state, Michigan's unique glacial soils impart distinctive boutiques and finishes to please even the most discriminating palate.

What grapes are used in Michigan sparkling wine?

Cherry, strawberry and honey aromas along with a smooth texture make this a particularly easy-drinking and versatile wine.”. Pinot Noir. This is a great red grape of Burgundy. Commonly used in sparkling wine production, this is the most widely planted red vinifera variety in Michigan and second overall to Riesling.

How many grapes does Michigan grow?

Beginning more than a century ago with only a few native American varieties, Michigan today grows more than 50 different grape varieties, offering consumers a broad range of quality wines.

What is the most famous white wine grape?

Many serious wine lovers regard Riesling as the world’s most famous white wine grape. Rousanne. Rousanne is an old variety from the Rhône Valley of France. It is blended with Marsanne to make a very pleasant wine. Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc is one of the major white vinifera varieties of the world.

What is the most popular wine in Michigan?

Cabernet Franc. Known as one of the sources of great Bordeaux, its wine is similar to Cabernet Sauvignon but lighter and less astringent with a lot of spicy notes. This is the second most widely planted red vinifera in Michigan after Pinot Noir and fifth overall after Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.

What is the grape that is pink called?

This grape, from the cooler parts of Northern Italy and Alsace, is also at home here in Michigan as the fourth most planted variety in the state. In Europe, grapes are referred to as noir (black), blanc (white) and the mid-range that we call pink is “grey” — gris in French, grigio in Italian.

What is the name of the grapes that are used in ice wine?

St. Croix. These grapes yield a dry red wine with fruity aromas and touches of currant and other dried fruit flavors. St. Pepin. With a name that originates from Lake Pepin, a lake in the Mississippi River, St. Pepin is a cold-weather hardy grape suited to making ice wines or those similar to Riesling.

Where is Muscat Ottonel grape grown?

Muscat Ottonel. Muscat Ottonel was created by a French grape grower in the Loire Valley in the Alsace region of France in 1852. This grape has wonderful character. It is grown both for a sweet dessert wine in Eastern European countries and as a dry table wine in the Alsace region in France.

What is Michigan's grape?

1. Michigan is a grape-growing state. There are more than 13,000 vineyard acres in Michigan, and most of them contain juice-making grapes, such as Niagara and Concord. In fact, Michigan grows more Niagara than any other state!

When is Michigan wine month?

May is Michigan Wine Month, and from the Lake Michigan shore to the Sunrise Coast, from the Upper Peninsula to the state line, Michigan’s wine industry continues to expand. With red, white, dry, sweet, sparkling and fruit vines to choose from, you're sure to find a new favorite.

How cold does it have to be to make ice wine?

To make TRUE ice wine, grapes must be picked at exactly the right temperature, where the water is frozen in the grapes, but the sugar is not—usually between 17 and 19 degrees Fahrenheit. This often means that grapes are harvested in the middle of the night with little advanced notice.

What is the importance of freshwater lakes in Michigan?

The freshwater lakes and the glacial soils contribute significantly to agricultural production, and most of the state’s wine grapes grow within 25 miles of Lake Michigan. The giant lake tempers the air along shoreline regions, protecting fall crops from harsh, early frosts, and preventing spring crops from blooming too early.

Regional Differences

Of all the areas of the state, the part of Michigan that's best for growing grapes is the area along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The prevailing winds blowing across the lake moderate temperatures, keeping the area warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and grapes appreciate the relief from both the winter cold and the summer heat.

Table Grapes

Among white seedless table grape varieties, "Marquis" (Vitis "Marquis," USDA zones 5 through 9) is a good choice for a home garden. "Kay Gray" (Vitis "Kay Gray," USDA zones 4 through 8) and "Edelweiss" (Vitis "Edelweiss," USDA zones 4 through 8) are white, seeded varieties that are exceptionally hardy and may withstand harsher inland winters.

Hybrid Wine Grapes

The wine grape varieties most commonly grown in Michigan are hybrids of French varieties and various native American species. The development of some of these cultivars has focused on cold hardiness, and that makes them good choices for growing in Michigan.

American Grape Varieties

The labrusca grape species (Vitis labrusca) is native to eastern North America, and it is known for its musky aroma.

Learn the fundamentals of growing fruit at 2022 MI Ag Ideas to Grow With Conference

Published on February 16, 2022 Great for first time or aspiring fruit growers, the fruit sessions will go back to the basics of what it takes to grow good fruit.

Workshop on building better spray programs for vineyards in Michigan

Published on February 11, 2022 Preregister for a virtual grape disease management workshop on March 23, 2022.

Michigan pesticide applicator review sessions, recertifications credits and testing options for winter 2022

Published on February 1, 2022 Frequently asked questions about when and where pesticide applicators can earn education credits or take the certification exam. Additional sites have been added for Restricted Use Pesticide Core Reviews and MDARD exams.

Grape winter bud hardiness: January 2022 mid-winter research update

Published on January 24, 2022 Southwest Michigan winter weather has been mild. Grape buds appear to be doing well.

Southwest Michigan Horticultural Days will be live and in-person Feb. 2-3, 2022

Published on January 13, 2022 Register now! Sessions for fruit and vegetable growers. This year’s special session is on marketing.

Michigan Is A Grape-Growing State

See more on michigan.org

Great Lakes Make The Difference

Location, Location, Location

Parallels

Ice Wine