Image of red grape clusters with thumprint grape breeding logo and the words "Grape breeding and enology"

Welcome to the Grape Breeding and Enology project website

Located at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, we conduct research in the Department of Horticultural Science and at the Horticultural Research Center. Our focus is on grapevine cultivar development which includes: wine grapes, table grape varieties, and ornamentals that survive and thrive in cold-climate conditions. We also work on understanding the mechanisms of disease and pest resistance so that we can incorporate these traits as a way to improve sustainability for Minnesota growers. In addition to breeding grapes, we develop and teach enology best practices for cold-hardy grapes.

Ask for Clarion!

By Kate Fessler, Drew Horton, John Thull, and Matt Clark

We have developed a short guide for our most recent UMN release, 'Clarion'! This high quality white wine cultivar is hardy to USDA Zone 5. Click on the preview below to open the PDF, or at the following link: Link to Clarion fact sheet.

Image of the first page of the Clarion fact sheet

News

Save-the-Date for the 2023 Enology Field Day

The annual Enology Field day will be held on Saturday, September 9th from 10am-12pm at the UMN Horticultural Research Center, 600 Arboretum Blvd, Chaska, MN 55331. More information to come!


UMN hybrid grapes featured as the future of American wine!

"Hybrid grapes break up [a] tired conversation and give drinkers a new perspective.” We agree with Colin Hofer, Michelin Sommelier-awarded Director of Wine and Education at Bonhomme Hospitality, who is quoted in a new article by Kate Dingwall for InsideHook. Hybrid wines from our University of Minnesota breeding program are represented among their many recommendations for hybrid wines to enjoy!