Grapes

Petite Pearl is a cold-hardy, red wine, hybrid grape that was developed by Tom Plocher of Bevans Creek Vineyard and Nursery. It was first introduced in 2010, and Old Folsom Vineyard planted the grape for the first time in 2014, making us one of the earlier growers of this cultivar. Petite Pearl has survived after temperatures as low as -32° F. It is highly disease resistant to powdery mildew, d...

photo credit: University of Minnesota, David L. Hansen La Crescent is another white wine grape introduced in 2002. A cross-breed of St. Pepin and Swenson grapes, La Crescent is a hardy vine. La Crescent is mildly resistant to disease, sometimes susceptible to downy mildew. However, the vines have survived in temperatures as low as -36° F, making it an excellent candidate for Old Folsom Vineyar...

Elmer Swenson, a pioneer grape breeder in the Midwest, developed this white wine grape. Brianna is particularly hardy in the Southern South Dakota climate. The vines’ grapes are greenish-gold to gold when they are ready to be harvested in early to mid September. Wines made from Brianna grapes are balanced with pineapple nose and flavor. The grapes are also used in flavorful white juices.

Frontenac Gris, literally “Grey Frontenac,” is used in white wines. Viticulturally, it is identical to Frontenac with vigorous growth and high yields. Frontenac Gris has survived in temperatures as low as -38° F. However, unlike Frontenac, Frontenac Gris is ready for harvest in mid-season. Its resistance to disease is decent with a moderate susceptibility to powdery mildew and black rot and a v...

photo credit: University of Minnesota, David L. Hansen Frontenac was introduced in 1995—the first in a series of new wine grape varieties developed by the University of Minnesota for Upper Midwest conditions. It is a cross of Vitis riparia 89 and the French hybrid Landot Noir. Frontenac was developed to be resilient despite the cold, Midwest winters. In fact, the vine has survived after temper...

Developed by the University of Minnesota, Marquette is a cousin of Frontenac and grandson of Pinot Noir. It originated from a cross of MN 1094, a complex hybrid of Vitis riparia, Vitis vinifera, and other Vitis species, with Ravat 262. Like Frontenac, Marquette is immune to downy mildew and powdery mildew. It is also fairly resistant to black rot. Marquette grapes are high in sugar content a...