They’re Growing Cold Hardy Grapes

They’re Growing Cold Hardy Grapes Andy and India Farmer have been growing grapes in their Vermont valley since 2002, propagating and selling their starter vines across much of the country. Their Northeastern Vine Supply breeding program includes as many as 50 different cultivars. Some of the older cultivars originated in France, while others have yet to be named. Their sell list includes as many as 25 cultivars that have a history of being cold-hardy, have been tested, and have been named. “Everything we sell is a cross, which brings together several different species of grapes with cold hardiness and shorter ripening times,” says Farmer. “Our customers don’t have to wait until October to harvest. Some of our varieties ripen as early as August, but the bulk of them are in September.” When Farmer first started breeding and selling cold-hardy grapes, he called Elmer Swenson, the patriarch of cold-hardy grapes. He considers himself fortunate to have had that opportunity, as Swenson died a few years later. “Elmer’s breeding program has been the backbone of the cold-hardy industry,” says Farmer. “The University of Minnesota, noted cold-hardy grape breeder Tom Plocher and others built their programs on Swenson’s genetics.” Farmer sells red wine vines, white wine vines, and table and juice vines. All three groups include Swenson selections, as well as Plocher and the University of Minnesota selections. He notes they’re as variable and versatile as his customer base. “We work mostly with growers in cool and cold climates from Maine to Montana and south to Colorado and back across to Pennsylvania,” says Farmer. “However, we also do business in milder states like Virginia and New Mexico, where there are microclimates that see the value of these varieties and what they might bring to a blend.” Meeting customer demand involves planting about 250,000 cuttings each year across seven to eight acres. These cuttings are taken from the 10-acre mother block, which also includes vines harvested for Farmer Wine, their emerging wine business. They also maintain hoop greenhouses dedicated to table and seedless grapes. “We have our fingers in everything except juice,” says Farmer. “However, we could use both our wine and our table grapes for juice if we wanted.” He suggests Brianna, a white grape that was selected by Swenson, as an example of versatility. “It’s early ripening, makes an outstanding seeded table grape, and makes great wine,” says Farmer. “It has a unique and delicious pineapple flavor in the fresh grapes that translates well to the wine.” He notes that it’s the kind of grape that vineyards are seeking. “It can be used to make a blended dry wine, semi-sweet or dessert style, or even as a sparkling wine,” says Farmer. “Blending in wine making is an opportunity to try different things. Blending allows every wine to be unique, even with the same varieties in your vineyard.” Currently, there’s an oversupply of all kinds of fruit for juice or wine. As a result, prices have fallen. That doesn’t rule out success with locally made products, especially if they have a unique flavor, says Farmer. “There’s a lot of interest and intrigue today in finding new experiences,” he says. “People are looking for a change. It also fits with a motivation to support local business and agriculture.” Farmer sells individual vines starting at $14, with prices dropping to $4.75 at 50, $4.50 at 500, and $4.25 at 5,000. Regardless of the order size, he says he’s committed to sharing what he’s learned with every customer. Hoop house table grapes and Farmer Wine have been part of that learning experience. Both enterprises are providing him with knowledge and experiences he can share. He emphasizes that the sharing is a two-way street. “I’m learning every year and have the incredible chance to work with growers all around the country,” he says. “It’s in my best interest to help new or existing growers do as well as they can with their next planting.” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Northeastern Vine Supply, Inc., 1428 River Rd., West Pawlet, Vt. 05775 (ph 802-287-9311; www.nevinesupply.com; Facebook: Northeastern Vine Supply, Inc.).

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