Welcome to our curated collection of cold-hardy, flavorful grape varieties—perfect for home winemakers, fresh eating, juicing, or jamming. Scroll through our red and white grape selections below to learn more about each type, how they grow, and how best to use them.

 

Our Grape Varieties!

   

Red Grapes:

 

Marechal Foch

Frontenac

Marquette

St. Croix

Petite Pearl

Crimson Pearl

 

White Grapes:

 

La Crescent

St. Pepin

Itasca

 

Purple Grapes:

 

Concord

 

Pink Grapes:

 

Delaware

 

Dive into more info on each below!

 

 

Meet Marechal Foch

 

Alias/Nickname: Foch or The Marshal

Born: Early 1900s in France, the child of Eugene Kuhlmann

Named After: WW1 Marshal Ferdinand Foch

Type: Red Hybrid (French American)

Style: Rugged, dark, and smoky

 

Where It Thrives

 

Foch prefers cool climates, ripens early (ideal option for cold climates), is disease resistant, and handles poor soil like a pro.

 

Flavor Vibe

 

Bold and brooding Foch is known for its deep color and earthy, rustic flavors. One can expect hints of ripe black cherry, roasted coffee, and smoky campfire notes.

 

Foch pairs well with grilled meat, sharp cheeses, and cozy evenings.

 

Winemaking Notes

 

Ferments beautifully for dry reds and is ideal in port-style and barrel-aged blends.

Foch holds up in reductions, sauces (especially BBQ wine sauces), and even mulled wine.

 

Foch is not mainstream, and that’s the point. Foch makes bold, character-driven wines with a story to tell!

 

Meet Frontenac

 

Alias/Nickname: The Bold North (unofficial but fun!)

Born: 1996 at the University of Minnesota

Type: Red Hybrid (Vitis riparia X French Hybrid)

Style: Deep, intense, and fruit-forward

 

Where It Thrives

 

The Bold North is built for cold climates and can survive brutal winters of -30 degrees F.

 

It is disease resistant (Thank you U of M), ripens early to mid-season, and benefits from balancing acidity in the winery.

 

A vigorous vine like Frontenac loves proper canopy management!

 

Flavor Vibe

 

This grape packs a punch! With its bold flavors of black cherry, blackberries, and spice, you can expect fruit-forward energy with a tart edge. It truly is a grape that doesn’t hold back.

 

Frontenac shines in bold reds, roses, and even desserts and fortified wines.

 

It is beautifully paired with roasted duck, sharp cheeses, and a smoky evening fire.

 

Winemaking Notes

 

The high acidity of the grapes makes it a great candidate for off-dry or dessert wines.

 

It is often blended to smooth out tannins or structure.

It is also used in wine-based jelly, syrup, and even sangria!

 

Meet Marquette

 

Alias/Nickname: No formal alias, but we could call it The Pinot of the North

Born: 2006 by the University of Minnesota

Parentage: A grandchild of Pinot Noir

Type: Red Hybrid (Cold hardy + vinifera elegance)

Style: Polished, structured, and confidently cool

 

Where It Thrives

 

Marquette thrives in cold climates, as far as withstanding -36 degrees F in extreme winters. It also shows excellent disease resistance!

 

Ripens mid-season, prefers balanced pruning, and benefits from cluster thinning to keep quality at an all-time high.

 

These vines grow upright and well-behaved, they’re low drama in the vineyard!

 

Flavor Vibe

 

Marquette is a grape with finesse. One can expect smooth flavors of cherry, blackberries, spice, and earthy tones.

 

It is low in harsh tannins, but is layered and elegant, like its Pinot grandparent, with a cold-climate twist.

 

Marquette makes refined dry reds that hold their own at the dinner table.

 

Pairs wonderfully with pork tenderloin, grilled mushrooms, and even dark chocolate.

 

Winemaking Notes

 

It’s stellar both on its own and in blends and takes well to oak aging for added complexity.

 

A very user-friendly grape due to its balanced acidity and smooth tannins.

 

Marquette is one of the first cold-hardy reds to gain real traction with winemakers seeking both quality and survival through harsh winters.

A true overachiever that we love!

 

Meet St. Croix

 

Alias/Nickname: Unofficial, but can be called The Smooth Operator

Born: 1980 by legendary grape breeder Elmer Swenson, right here in Wisconsin

Type: Red Hybrid (French American)

Style: Easygoing, fruit-forward, and endlessly drinkable

 

Where It Thrives

 

The Smooth Operator is a cold-hardy workhorse! It thrives in chilly zones and ripens early, handles downy mildew with ease, and prefers well-draining soils!

 

With moderate vigor and early ripening, with consistent pruning, it is a grower’s reliable friend.

 

Flavor Vibe

 

One can expect soft mellow tannins and warm notes of plum, black cherry, and a hint of spice when enjoying this smooth grape. It is approachable and low on bitterness, great for anyone starting to enjoy reds!

 

Pairs exceptionally well with comfort foods such as burgers, pizza, or even roasted root veggies!

 

Winemaking Notes

 

Makes smooth medium-bodied reds ready to sip, and also works well in blends to soften bolder grapes.

 

It can be lightly oaked or done in the fruit-forward style.

It’s a great choice for chilled reds, sangria, and mulled wines!

 

St. Croix is known for being versatile in the winery and forgiving in the vineyard, making it a favorite for newer wineries and cold-climate vineyards alike!

 

Meet Petite Pearl

 

Alias/Nickname: No official nickname, but can be called The Velvet Grape

Born: 2010 in Minnesota by Tom Plocher

Type: Red Hybrid (Cold-climate cross, Vitis riparia lineage)

Style: Elegant, structured, and quietly powerful

 

Where It Thrives

 

Petite Pearl is a cold-weather champion, tolerating -30 degrees F and resistant to many common grapevine diseases.

 

It ripens a bit later but holds its acidity well, making it ideal for growers in regions with long, cool falls.

 

Flavor Vibe

 

This grape brings depth and polish with its notes of black cherry, currant, and hints of spice and vanilla when aged in oak!

 

It’s smooth and rich without being overbearing. Tannins are gentle but present, with a full-mouth feel.

 

Pairs wonderfully with lamb, a mushroom risotto, or aged Gouda!

 

Winemaking Notes

 

Petite Pearl makes premium-quality reds with aging potential. It plays well with oak and develops complexity and structure in this friendship.

 

It is often blended for body and color, but certainly strong enough to stand alone!

Absolutely fantastic for bold, cellar-worthy wines that still feel approachable.

 

Petite Pearl is low in “green” flavors, meaning no bell pepper notes- just ripe, dark fruity goodness. A hybrid grape that drinks like a vinifera!

 

Meet Crimson Pearl

 

Alias/Nickname: No official alias, but let’s call it The Blushing Sister

Born: Alongside Petite Pearl in 2010 by Tom Plocher

Type: Red Hybrid (Cold-hardy cross with Vitis riparia ancestry)

Style: Light, bright, and refreshingly modern

 

Where It Thrives

 

Crimson Pearl is extremely cold-hardy like its sister, but ripens earlier than Petite Pearl, excellent for short growing seasons. Like its sister, it is resistant to many common diseases.

 

Flavor Vibe

 

It is lighter in body, but high in charm! Look for notes of raspberry, cherry, and subtle floral touches.

 

It has a zippy acidity that makes it feel fresh and lively on the palate.

 

Goes perfect with herb-roasted chicken, charcuterie, or even a fruit tart!

 

Winemaking Notes

 

Ideal for light-bodied reds or chillable red wines and can also be used for rose or even sparkling reds!

 

It’s a great blending partner for brightening up heavier hybrids.

 

Its brightness makes it a fun choice for wine spritzers or cocktail bases.

 

Though it is less common than Petite Pearl, Crimson Pearl is gaining attention for its versatility and fresh, modern flavor. A wonderful choice for winemakers looking to experiment!

 

Meet La Crescent

 

Alias/Nickname: No official alias, but let’s call it The Aromatic Queen

Born: 2002 by the University of Minnesota

Type: White Hybrid (Vitis riparia and vinifera mix)

Style: Floral, fruity, and refreshingly vibrant

 

Where It Thrives

 

La Crescent thrives in cold climates, another grape from the U of M to withstand -36 degrees F. It prefers well-draining soils and sunshine to bring out its fragrant character.

 

Disease resistant, with moderate vigor and consistent yields, an easy-going grower in the vineyard!

 

Flavor Vibe

 

One can expect bursts of apricot, peach, citrus, and tropical fruit, layered with floral perfume, think jasmine and honeysuckle!

 

The acidity is bright and balanced, making for a crisp and lively white wine.

 

Pairs deliciously with seafood, light salads, and spicy Asian dishes!

 

Winemaking Notes

 

Makes exceptional dry and off-dry whites. Its aromatic strength lends well to single-varietal bottles, but can also be used in blends to add perfume and lift.

 

It can be enjoyed young or aged briefly to develop complexity.

 

La Crescent wines often surprise first-timers with their bold aroma and fresh, fruity palate! Easily a fan favorite and crowd pleaser in cold climates!

 

Meet St. Pepin

 

Alias/Nickname: No official nickname, but we like The Gentle White

Born: 1970s by the University of Minnesota

Type: White Hybrid (Cold-hardy cross with complex lineage)

Style: Smooth, balanced, and versatile

 

Where It Thrives

St. Pepin is another cold-hardy champion from the U of M that tolerates -30 degrees F. It prefers well-draining soil and moderate pruning to maintain balanced yields.

 

With its disease resistance and hardiness, it is another reliable grape for northern vineyards.

 

Flavor Vibe

 

The Gentle White delivers fresh citrus, green apple, and pear notes, with a soft, round mouthfeel.

 

The acidity is gentle but lively, making it a crowd-pleasing white that’s neither too tart nor too flat.

 

She pairs well with poultry, mild cheeses, and fresh herbs.

 

Winemaking Notes

 

Often made into dry or off-dry whites and works well as a blending grape to add softness and balance.

 

It can be used for sparkling or still wine! Also handles fermentation beautifully, with a clean finish.

 

St. Pepin is considered an easygoing grape, perfect for winemakers who want a consistent, reliable white wine that grows well in chilly conditions.

 

Meet Itasca

 

Alias/Nickname: No common alias, but we can call it The Chill Crisp

Born: 1990s by the University of Minnesota

Type: White hybrid (Cold-hardy, with complex Vitis riparia background)

Style: Bright, clean, and refreshingly mineral-driven

 

Where It Thrives

Itasca loves cold climates, like many varieties bred at the U of M, it can withstand below -30 degrees F!

 

Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil and benefits from good sunlight exposure to develop flavor.

 

Moderate vigor and strong disease resistance make it vineyard-friendly!

 

Flavor Vibe

 

One can expect fresh green apple, citrus zest, and subtle mineral notes that give it a clean, crisp profile.

 

Itasca is light-bodied but flavorful, with a balanced acidity that makes it very refreshing.

 

The Chill Crisp pairs lovely with fresh salads, shellfish, and light pasta dishes.

 

Winemaking Notes

 

Ideal for dry whites that emphasize purity and freshness, also great as a blending grape to add brightness and lift.

 

Makes lovely, clean-tasting still wines and sparkling styles.

 

She is easy to work with, ferments cleanly, and finishes crisp.

 

Itasca is a lesser-known but promising grape, perfect for winemakers wanting an elegant white that stands up to cold winters without losing charm!

 

Meet Concord

 

Alias/Nickname: The Jelly King!!!

Born: Late 1800s in Concord, Massachusetts

Type: Purple grape (Vitis labrusca)

Style: Bold, fruity, and nostalgic

 

Where It Thrives

 

Concord thrives in a wide range of climates but loves cooler regions! The vines are vigorous and hardy, tolerating both cold winters and disease well.

 

Ripens mid-season, with thick skins that protect it from many challenges.

 

Flavor Vibe

 

Concord’s signature “foxy” flavor, think juicy grape candy, blackberry, and a little wildness! It’s sweet, bold, and unmistakable.

 

Perfect for nostalgic, easy-drinking wines and juices. Also just delicious for

eating!

 

Winemaking Notes

 

Traditionally, Concord is used for grape juice, jelly, and sweet wines. It is often made into light, fruity still and sparkling wines.

 

The strong grape flavor means it’s rarely blended! Also popular for homemade wine and educational winemaking projects.  

 

Concord is one of America’s most famous native grapes and is still the go-to for grape juice and jelly. A true cultural icon!

 

Meet Delaware

 

Alias/Nickname: No official nickname, but some call it The Heritage Sparkler

Born: Mid 1800s, first cultivated in Delaware, Ohio (NOT the state)

Type: Pink grape (Likely a complex mix of Vitis vinifera, labrusca, and bourquiniana)

Style: Delicate, aromatic, and quietly iconic

 

Where It Thrives

 

Delaware prefers warm, well-draining sites with good airflow! Its thin skin can make it prone to mildew in humid conditions common to our area.

 

It ripens early to mid-season and benefits from gentle vineyard management and sunny exposure.

 

Flavor Vibe

 

This grape is soft and charming with flavors of strawberry, honey, and light floral notes. It has a light “grapey” character, but with much more finesse than its labrusca cousins.

 

Pairs well with soft cheeses, seafood, or light desserts like lemon tarts or berry shortcakes!

 

Winemaking Notes

 

Traditionally used for sparkling wine, especially in Japan and some parts of the U.S. It makes lovely semi-sweet white and dessert wine.

 

Also popular for fresh juice and classic grape jellies!

 

It delivers subtle complexity when handled with a gentle touch.

 

Delaware has been used in American winemaking since the 1850s and was one of the first truly successful hybrid grapes, it’s basically the OG underdog!