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

Record participation in Annual Grape Extension Field Day!

Almost 90 visitors arrived bright and early to the Horticultural Research Center on September 9th for the Annual Grape Extension Field Day. Over a dozen researchers and staff were there to answer questions about ongoing grape projects at the UMN, including research into smoke contamination, invasive insect pressure, grape trunk diseases, and table grape breeding. 


International Cold Climate Wine Competition winners announced!

The International Cold Climate Wine Competition was held on August 16th, and the winners of 15 different classes have been announced, in addition to the Bests of Show and Winery of the Year! Read on to discover the full list of category and medal winners.