Corner d e n t ’ s i Notes From The North The quarterly newsletter of the Minnesota Grape Growers Association P r e s

Volume 35, Number 4 Winter 2009

The 2009 growing season and excel in always presenting the MGGA in the comes to an end leaving many of us with a best possible manner. Thanks to each of you. smile and great sense of relief. The summer I’m also grateful for the hard work of the many was coolish, cloudy and fairly dry. With the number volunteers who devoted time to Association activities of “heat degree days” well below average, growers throughout the year. Our Board of Directors consists of were concerned about ability to ripen the crop. Deb unpaid volunteers. Besides the annual BOD meeting and I paid particular attention to leaf thinning this schedule, several devoted significant additional time as summer with the idea of maximizing exposure of committee chairs, event chairs, and, in Kori Knudsen’s the fruit to the limited sunlight. Thankfully, the sunshine, case, strategic planning. Paula Soholt served as the and a string of 80+ degree days, returned in early 2009 and 2010 conference director — and served on September and the fruit ripened to workable levels. the very successful International Cold Climate With the summer of 2009 behind us, the idea of “bud Competition committee with its able Chairman, MGGA swell” and “three inch shoots” next spring already has member Gordon Rouse. Through it all, Treasurer us looking forward to 2010. But, alas, the all important Ronald Barnes kept our MGGA finances in order. I owe pruning is our next vineyard task on the calendar. a debt of gratitude to all of these folks. Many thanks. As I write this in this Thanksgiving holiday season I am Please consider joining this exceptional team of reminded of all this Association and the industry have talented folks to help us move the industry forward by provided us in 2009. volunteering your skills for an event, or, running for the Deb and I are thankful for the network of great folks we Board of Directors. Contact nominations chair, Dave met through grapes this year, for the many folks who Duddleston. helped with the harvest, for the bountiful crop and for All the best to you in this holiday season; I hope to see our buyers, who support locally grown. you at the MGGA Annual Meeting January 23, 2010 and As an MGGA member I am grateful to the Association the Cold Climate Conference Feb.11-13, 2010. staffers—NFTN editor John Marshall, Membership Coordinator and newsletter publisher Cheri Anderson of Design Ink, and Cold Climate Conference Coordinator Tom Martell, MGGA President Nicole Walsh. These folks work diligently on our behalf In this Issue: •— SAVE THE DATES —• • Annual Meeting/Winter Symposium...... 2 • 6th Annual Cold Climate Conference Details...... 2 Annual Meeting/Winter Symposium • CCC Agenda...... 3 • From the Vineyard...... 4 January 23, 2010 • Dickerman’s Woodland Hill Winery Hosted Picnic...... 6 • Record Attendance at MN State Fair...... 6 See page 2 • What’s Up in Iowa...... 7 • The True Potential of Hardy Hybrids...... 8 • — • • Vintage Wisconsin - Wine is booming ...... 10 th • Somerset: The Table Grape...... 13 6 Annual Cold Climate • 2010 MGGA Board Nominations...... 13 Grape & Wine Conference • VESTA Comes to Minnesota...... 14 • Stylish Prairie Berry ...... 15 February 11-13, 2010 • Wine Production Guide for Eastern North America...... 15 • Dilemma of the Red Wine...... 16 See page 2 • My Eyes Are Bigger Than My Stomach...... 18 • MGGA BOD Meeting Minutes...... 19 2 Winter 2009 ANNUAL MEETING/WINTER THE MINNESOTA GRAPE GROWERS SYMPOSIUM • JAN. 23, 2010 ASSOCIATION PRESENTS: THE 6TH ANNUAL COLD Saturday, January 23, 2010 • 8:30 a.m. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum CLIMATE GRAPE & WINE Synder Building Auditorium CONFERENCE 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska, MN 55318 Northern Viticulture ~ Pursuing Excellence www.arboretum.umn.edu FEBRUARY 11-13, 2010 The morning agenda is MGGA business and elections, SHERATON BLOOMINGTON HOTEL, followed by a hot lunch with MN wine. The afternoon BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA Winter Symposium will consist of the annual University research report by Peter Hemstad and Nick Smith, The Minnesota Grape Growers Association presents as well as a panel discussion on the important “Northern Viticulture – Pursuing Excellence” as the questions regarding transition from backyard grower to theme for this 6th Annual premier grape and wine commercial enterprise - what should be known before conference. The cold climate grape growing and making that leap? Please submit questions you’d like winemaking industry continues to expand and with it the to have discussed to Cyndi Ross. The day ends with need for knowledge in producing quality products from a wine and cheese social until 5 p.m. The cost is $30 cold climate grapes. From keynotes, to round tables for the day, and you can also renew your membership and hands-on experiences, making a commitment and register for the Cold Climate Conference, all at the to quality is woven throughout the 2010 conference same time. agenda. Introductory sessions will be offered on RSVP is required by Jan. 7, 2010 to Cyndi Ross at Thursday evening with a balanced variety of course [email protected] or 651-647-9403 , as we offerings on Friday and Saturday. For those looking to must plan accordingly for food and the facility. expand their knowledge of cold climate grape and wine production, this is a must attend conference. Northern Attendees will welcome the expanded trade show, enjoy the ever popular Midwest Wine Stroll, and celebrate Vineyards MGGA ‘Gold’ at the closing conference banquet. The Winemakers Roundtable will focus on the recently STILLWATER introduced and international award winning Marquette • MINNESOTA • grape. Your investment in this conference will help you gain Since 1977, we have specialized in the production of wines technical and practical information through formal S from locally-grown grapes. Current offerings include St. Croix, St. Pepin, La Crosse, Laura’s Laughter, presentations, informal networking and idea sharing. Edelweiss, , Foch, La Crescent, Pinot noir, Plan now to attend this key industry event. Pinot gris, Prairie Star, and Gewurztraminer. Registration is now open! For more information and to register visit www.mngrapes.org For Harvest 2009, we offer grapes, pressed juice, and bulk wine to wineries in the Upper Midwest. Contact Nicole Walsh, Conference Coordinator, with questions at For quantities and pricing, contact: Robin at 651-430-1032 during early August, [email protected] or email to [email protected] See page 3 for the latest sample Agenda. SUBJECT TO CHANGE: FOR THE MOST CURRENT VERSION, PLEASE VISIT www.mngrapes.org Volume 35, Number 4 The Minnesota Grape Growers Association Presents: 3 2010 Cold Climate Grape & Wine Conference – February 11-13, 2010 Northern Viticulture – Pursuing Excellence Sheraton Bloomington Hotel – Minneapolis South | 7800 Normandale Boulevard | Minnneapolis, MN 55439 For more information or to register visit: mngrapes.org. Questions? Contact Nicole Walsh, Conference Coordinator at [email protected]

THURSDAY Alcoholic Fermentation and MLF: An Introduction Pruning & Trimming Grapevines 6:00 – 6:50 PM Anna Katharine Mansfield Tim Rehbein Basics of Wine Sensory Trellising Basics 7:00 – 7:50 PM Paul Gospodarczyk John Marshall Wine Analysis Equipment Intro to Sprayers & Spraying 8:00 – 8:50 PM Nick Smith Mike White FRIDAY 7:00 – 8:30 AM Breakfast 8:30 – 8:40 AM Welcome - Tom Martell, MGGA President Making a Commitment to Quality 8:40 – 9:30 AM Steven Westby, Witness Tree Vineyards, Oregon Trade 9:30 - 10:00 AM Refreshments Show Vine Nutrition Delaying Bud Break 10:00 – 10:50 AM The Law of Wine: Legal Challenges from Seth McFarland Growing to Making & Selling Carl Rosen

Christopher Hermann Vineyard Floor Spray Drift 11:00 – 11:50 AM Management Chair, Wine Law Group - Stoel Rives LLP Mike White Tim Martinson 12:00 – 2:00 PM Lunch & Trade Show Grapevine Cold Hardiness 2:00 – 2:50 PM Post Fermentation Considerations: Peter Hemstad  Fining Agents & Wine Stability 2:45 – 3:00 PM Refreshments  Filtration & Bottling Trade  Wine Adjustments 5 Key Steps to a Profitable Vineyard 3:00 – 3:50 PM Show Anna Katharine Mansfield Tim Martinson

Michael Jones Preliminary Results of the 4:00 – 4:50 PM Pierre-Yves Bournerias Wine Trail Panel IA Multi-Site Variety Trial Dr. Paul Domoto 7:00 – 9:00 PM Midwest Wine Stroll SATURDAY 7:00 – 8:30 AM Breakfast Future of the Grape & Wine Industry – Richard Leahy 8:30 – 9:20 AM East Coast Editor and Director of Eastern Programs for Vineyard & Winery Management

Growing U of M & Swenson Varieties in VT 9:30 – 10:20 AM ICCWC Panel Chris Granstrom Trade 10:15 – 10:30 AM Wine Service & Refreshments Show Tasting Room Training MLF Timing & Biological 10:30 – 11:20 AM Methods for Acid Mgmt Paul Gospodarczyk N. Smith/ M. Jones Grape Growers Roundtable 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Quality Wine 11:30 AM–12:20 PM Seth McFarland

12:00 – 2:00 PM Lunch & Trade Show

Wine Production Research & Extension Needs of the Emerging 2:00 – 2:50 PM Cold-Climate Wine Industry Pierre-Yves Bournerias Dr. Jim Luby

2:45 – 3:00 PM Refreshments Trade Third Party Certifications for Managing Risk & Insurance Tools Show 3:00 – 3:50 PM Wineries & Vineyards for Grapes & Specialty Crops Winemakers Roundtable: Bob Olson Gary Luebke Marquette Vineyard & Winery Safety Table Grapes 4:00 – 4:50 PM Dan Neenan John Marshall Saturday Evening Banquet – “MGGA Gold” 7:00 – 9:00 PM Agritourism - Robin Kinney

WINE TRACK GRAPE TRACK WINE & GRAPE UPDATED: December 3, 2009 4 Winter 2009 FROM THE VINEYARD email newsletter by contacting Mike at mlwhite@iastate. edu and I recommend that you do so. It is excellent. by John Marshall Fall is also an excellent time to apply your dormant Fall has passed. The intensity of harvest is over. It is fungicide spray. Normally we try to apply it in spring before time to take a deep breath and take stock. If you feel growth appears but it is often difficult to get it in as we try to your vines have shown any signs of Potassium deficiency finish up pruning, retying vines, repairing trellis and as the this past season (lush, light colored leaf growth, individual press of spring work begins. It is especially difficult to work full-size berries on ripe clusters still green, low sugar at in during an early warm spring when growth may begin harvest, poor hardening of canes) it is time to put down long before we want it. The common lime/sulfur spray potash. Potash is Potassium-rich granite that takes that is normally used is very effective in oxidizing many months to break down and become usable to the vine and over-wintering fungus spores but can burn new buds and needs to be applied in fall if it is needed. Putting it down foliage and cannot be used once growth begins. Fall is a in spring or during the growing season is too late as it is good, low pressure time to get this job out of the way and very slow to breakdown in the soil and is very immobile seems to be just as effective in fall as it is in early spring. as well. Fall will give your potash six months or more to dissolve and enter the root zone. Fully as important do not Another important thing to do is to take stock of where you broadcast it. Growers who broadcast a “balanced” 10-10- and your vineyard are headed. It may be hard to think of 10 fertilizer for example, will get the benefit of the Nitrogen planting vines when your vineyard only recently defoliated and Phosphorous therein but Potassium is so easily bound and the snow has not yet begun to fall but the earlier your up in the soil that it does not normally reach the root planting decisions are made the better. It is fresh in your zone and does virtually no good when broadcast. If you mind what varieties worked well for you and you may wish need Potassium, and most bearing Minnesota vineyards to expand. Which grapes have been disappointing and eventually do, fall is the time to apply it. need to be removed? What grapes are you planning to replace them with? What vines were you unable to get Another good job to get out of the way in fall, to lighten the last spring? What new varieties may have come to your press of work next spring, is to apply your herbicide now. attention that you want to order. The nursery that you deal It may seem too early but Glyphosate (Roundup or one of its cheaper generic forms) is most effective when applied in fall after the vines go dormant. It can harm vines when ORDER YOUR VINES there is green growth but once they lose their leaves and THIS FALL TO ASSURE go dormant the vines can no longer be harmed. Just as important, quack grass or any of the perennial weeds you AVAILABILITY may have been battling this past summer are still taking in nutrient. They will take in the Glyphosate and store it CALL TOLL-FREE deep in their roots. If there is any green still visible on 1-877-345-3531 these grasses or weeds it is not too late. You will see an We take Visa, Mastercard & Discover extremely effective weed kill next spring when applied this time of year. You can also apply pre-emergent herbicides this time of year. While it may seem that these herbicides, that form a OR lasting barrier to many germinating weed seeds in spring and summer, will lose their effectiveness by spring, this is Go to our website not the case. Pre-emergent herbicides are broken down WWW.GREATRIVERVINEYARD.COM largely by the biological activity in the soil and once the soil temperature falls below 40°F or so these herbicides AND form their barrier but do not begin to break down until next Print off our nursery form and send with a spring when they are needed. Mike White, the grape specialist in Iowa, has written some excellent material on check payable to “GRV” fall applications of herbicide in his email newsletter, which Great River Vineyard & Nursery he publishes on-line weekly. This material can be accessed 36580 Hwy. 61 Blvd. now at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/wine/resources/ winegrowersnews.htm You can also sign up for his free Lake City, MN 55041 Volume 35, Number 4 5 with will have the best supplies of the year now. If you wait they may be sold out of the varieties most in demand. This often happens and you need to contact them before they begin to run short. Now is definitely the time act when making planting decisions. Winter is also the time to attend growers conferences to learn for the coming year. If you feel that the material presented is something you have already seen, be assured that with 30 years of growing experience behind me I have yet to go to such a conference and not learned some important new material. Talking with other growers will give you information and experience you will not get any other way. Making contacts with winemakers and suppliers often cannot be done any other way to say nothing of how much fun it is to rub elbows with well known growers, academics, researchers, authors and friends. Attending a grape and wine conference is a one of a kind experience no one involved in the industry should deny themselves. The MGGA’s Cold Climate Grape and Wine Conference has grown to be one of the largest such conferences in the Eastern U.S. drawing attendees from around U.S. and Canada. However, each state has developed a conference tailored to the needs of each region and should not be missed. If you feel you have come and are not learning anything, come through the trade show and look me up. I will try and tell you something you do not already knowJ. See you next winter. Falconer Vineyards Winery & Nursery Specializing in northern winter hardy varieties by the University of Minnesota and Elmer Swenson.

Falconer Vineyards & Winery Open: Friday • Saturday • Sunday

Wine Tasting: $4 per person Fridays Noon - 5pm Saturdays 10am - 6pm • Sundays noon-5pm

Contact: [email protected] 3572 Old Tyler Rd. Red Wing, MN 55066 651-388-8849 www.FalconerVineyards.com 6 Winter 2009 Dickerman’s Woodland Hill Record Attendance at State Fair Winery Hosted ’09 MGGA PICNIC by Cyndi Ross by Cyndi Ross The MN State Fair surpassed another attendance record this year, and it must have seemed like the entire On a perfect summer day, approximately 120 MGGA members, friends, and family gathered for our annual picnic at the beautiful grounds and bottling barn of Katie and Mike Dickerman’s Woodland Hill Winery, located in Delano. We had many wonderful volunteers this year to make it such a success. Vicki Gardner organized the potluck set-up

state came by our MGGA booth in the Horticulture inside and did a Building! We had the added buzz and excitement from fabulous job of the display of the winners of the first International Cold getting all those Climate Wine Competition that occurred just before tempting dishes the Fair opened. The opening of many new wineries laid out. Mitch around the state this year, with several new wine trails, and Chris Morey drew lots of interest from the general public, as well as potential growers looking for more information. Our great volunteers once again were available throughout were the hot the 12 days of the fair as excellent ambassadors for our dog wranglers, organization. They are truly a wonderful reflection of manning the grill, the kind of folks that make up the MGGA, both larger Bill Relay and commercial growers and backyard hobbyists, coming John Bagniewski out to share their enthusiasm for MN grapes. Our booth helped direct volunteers this year were: parking, and Karyn Vidmar John Bagniewski Dave & Jan Duddleston and Nola Relay gave many hours at the registration table. Mary Jo & Denny Thaden Tom Mohn Karyn also helped with the initial organization, going out Brian Relay Don & Jerry Slinger to visit the winery to plan the picnic back in May. Missy Dick Goodermont & son John Betancourt Machkhashvili designed and wrote up the e-mail blast for Diane and Bill Mech John & Maureen Maloney the picnic, and Mark Ross, [Cyndi’s] my brother visiting Richard Ackerman Julie Otis from San Antonio, helped out with general running around. Scott Beyers Chad Stoltenberg Mike took two separate tours out to the grapes, showing how he’s set up his vineyard, and demonstrated the Mighty Adam & Julie Reinking Alan & Judy Olson Weeder, which he designed. If that wasn’t enough, Larry Ron Barnes Tom & Deb Martell Shafer, from Agro-K, was there for the day, with lots of John, Ken & Colleen Goettl Jeff & Paula Soholt information and advice to share. Everyone lingered into James Lee & Linda Norris John Thull the late afternoon, enjoying the tasting room and listening Jeff Dusick Jenny Bradley to musicians on the terrace. What a beautiful setting! Mark McIntyre Rudy Jungwirth Many thanks go out again to Mike and Katie for allowing Carol & Ole Jessen-Klixbull Cyndi Ross & Mike Witkin us to enjoy their hospitality and knowledge. They were Nancy & Jim Stratton generous with their facility and support. Thank You! Volume 35, Number 4 7 What’s Up in Iowa by Michael L. White, ISU Extension Viticulture Specialist – [email protected] The September 2009 Tobacco & Trade Bureau’s (TTB) cultivars and of the quality of winegrapes they are willing latest list of federally licensed wineries and blenders to purchase. This is not a phenomenon of only Iowa. showed that Iowa now has 81 licensed wineries. I am seeing evidence of similar situations growing in Approximately 75 of these are now open for business neighboring states. Our cold climate winegrape industry with the others still in various stages of establishment. is beginning to mature. Only those efficiently growing I am currently aware of another 20 or so wineries in quality winegrapes and MARKETING quality wines will the process of being established and yet to apply for a excel in this emerging marketplace. No need to fret, federal license. So, things are going well on the winery only a need to change our focus! side of things. Resources: Not so great for the grape side of things right now. TTB Sept. 2009 list of Federally licensed wineries and Our estimated 400+ vineyards covering approximately blenders: http://www.ttb.gov/foia/frl.shtml 1,200 acres have the potential to produce 630,000 You can view the latest (June, 2009) map of Iowa vineyards and wineries here: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Wine/ gallons of wine when these vineyards reach full maturity. Resources/iowasvineyardgrowth.htm (1,200 acres x 150 gallons/ton x 3.5 tons grapes/acre You can view the latest sales report (June = 630,000 gallons of wine). Native Iowa wine sales 2009) compiled by Craig Tordsen here: http://www. totaled approximately 195,262 gallons in the fiscal year agmrc.org/media/cms/Iowa_Native_Wine_Production_ ending 6-31-09. Iowa wineries sell 55.1% of their wine June_20_341FBEE259897.pdf directly to customers, 42.7% is sold to retail outlets and 2.2% is sold to distributors. Iowa native wineries currently have a 5.25% market share of all the retail If your mailing label still says 2009 or older, wine market in Iowa. it’s time to renew for 2010. It should be obvious that our major mission in Iowa should be to sell more Iowa wine and NOT plant more Please visit our website today grapes. Prior to 2008 most wineries in Iowa would pay a minimum of $1,000 per ton for anything resembling www.mngrapes.org an Iowa winegrape. Today the story is very different. Wineries in Iowa are becoming very selective of the “With a Tweezers in One Hand and a Book in the Other” This biography, authored by Penny Krosch, records the life and grape breeding experience of Wisconsin grape pioneer Elmer Swenson. The Book may be purchased through MGGA. 8 Winter 2009 THE TRUE POTENTIAL OF of northern planting. These developments together with Elmer Swenson’s ground breaking work has created HARDY HYBRIDS a basis for a sound northern grape and wine industry by John Marshall which appears ready to continue to expand and develop When the early members of the Minnesota Grape in the years ahead. Growers Association were first experimenting with wine To me, it is fascinating that growers in North Dakota grapes in the early 1970s and even before, all the vines complain that some viticultural authorities, some that were cold tender or marginal at best. Foch stood out as probably should know better, claim that North Dakota the hardiest of the French Hybrids but we soon learned has exceeded the northern limit of viticulture and that that it was devastated at –25 F. Serious Minnesota it will not work there. I tell growers there, “That is what growers had to bury them in winter to be sure to have a they used to say about Minnesota. They have finally crop the following year. The other hybrids were clearly shut up there and if you keep doing what you’re doing, cold tender and burying of vines was virtually universal growing grapes and selling wine, they will shut up here among early growers to carry on wine production in as well.” In truth with the opening of Tobacco Creek Minnesota. Winery at Carman, Manitoba it is possible I am going Burying vines is a laborious procedure wherein the vines to have to get field glasses. It appears that viticulture must be rough pruned to reduce the bulk of vine to be is going to move further north than I had anticipated. covered, cut down from the trellis and covered, usually Whatever the case it was with some surprise that I got with dirt, to ensure winter survival. All this must be a call from a grower in northern Pennsylvania asking accomplished after an exhausting harvest is completed about some of our hardy hybrids. I related what I could and before the soil freezes which makes covering with but told him he could grow many cold tender varieties in dirt impossible. While winter protection of vines is his area that we could not, or at least should not, grow successful and has been practiced in Russia, Northern here. He said “All my neighbors grow those grapes and China, the northern Japanese Island of Hokkaido and on a cold winter night they are up all night listening to no doubt other places, its time, labor and expense the alarm systems on their weather stations, firing up restricts grape growing, as it surely did in Minnesota smudge pots, cranking up wind machines and starting for many years. irrigation, doing what they can to alleviate disaster.” He It was with this in mind that the MGGA lobbied the State kind of laughed. “I don’t even have an alarm system on legislature here to hire a grape breeder to follow the my weather station. I sleep fine! I grow all Swenson lead of Elmer Swenson and begin a program to develop and Minnesota hybrids and I know we will not get cold cold hardy hybrids to encourage a new wine industry in enough to even test my vines. I know these vines can the State. Given the widespread skepticism directed be grown much farther north but I get grapes every toward the possibility of a wine industry in Minnesota it year. My neighbors don’t.” is amazing that they were willing to fund the program but This changed my thinking about the potential of northern they did. In the early 1980s the University of Minnesota hybrids. It has been our watch-word here at GRV, that hired Peter Hemstad and a hybridization program was we are always looking northward, seeking varieties with begun. Its primary goal was to develop a series of cold greater and greater hardiness and earlier and earlier hardy hybrids reliable for Minnesota and able to produce ripening, hoping to make areas further north suitable commercial quality wines. for reliable viticulture. In fact, these Northern Hybrids The program has been enormously successful. With are bringing viticulture to cold and barren landscapes the release of the University’s Frontenac Grape in 1995 never before blessed by the grape. However, they may the scene changed overnight. Suddenly we had a vine well in fact have fully as much value in more southerly that was notably hardier than Foch, one which quickly areas where growers struggle to find grapes that will found its place in the wine growing world. Soon after La be reliable year in and year out. Crescent, Frontenac Gris (a color mutation of Frontenac) Northern Iowa for example, has not enjoyed its share of and more recently Marquette have added fuel to the fires winery openings among the 70+ wineries now operating Volume 35, Number 4 9 within the state. This seems odd since directly north of the possibility of bud damage during cold episodes. them, far north in some cases, 26 wineries and 1000 In truth, it appears that there is a viticultural “gap” in acres of grapes now grow in Minnesota. Viticulturally the mid-section of our great country. Well to the south Northern Iowans can grow grapes as well as any there are numerous new, large viticultural areas where region in the Midwest but they do not probably because many extremely cold tender varieties are grown without many of their southerly neighbors grow grapes that are problems but as these varieties are tested further and marginal in extreme northern Iowa and they are slow further north they suffer injury with increasing frequency to look northward for their direction. until they become genuinely marginal. To the north are Northern Illinois is another example, which finds itself large areas where vines were never grown because viticulturally distinct from southern Illinois. Many of the of extreme cold. However, the new northern hybrids vines popular in the south are extremely unreliable in have made grape culture quite satisfactory in these the northern part of the state. Southern Wisconsin, new regions and it remains to be seen how far north Northern Ohio, Indiana, much of New York State and viticulture will travel. parts of New England are all attempting to develop local In these in-between areas growers seem to be trying viticulture by bringing in varieties that are often barely to get along on varieties that have proven popular and able to endure the cold. As a result some of these successful further south but are proving to be notably areas regard their local grape and wine industries as unreliable for them. I would ask that growers, winery somewhat marginal. owners, winemakers, academic authorities and others In fact as we look into many of these marginal areas, consider that the new northern hybrids possess the instead of looking toward hardier and hardier vines to critical elements needed fill in this “gap”. In fact, the support their wine industries they are often experimenting potential of our new cold hardy, Northern Hybrids may with and sometimes planting pure Vitis vinifera varieties be as great filling in this gap in these areas further south instead. They are, apparently attempting to make their as they might be in moving viticulture further north. region less marginal by “improving” the flavor profile therein. In truth, there seems to be an intent to bring in vines that produce wines in a given flavor profile the WINTERHAVEN practicalities be damned. I would submit that if a wine industry is based on grape varieties that are marginal V ineyard Nursery in hardiness, the industry will remain marginal as well regardless of the perceived elevation in “quality” or Varieties Include: the “improved” flavor profiles that may be developed. Surely full cold hardiness is absolutely essential to a La Crescent Petite Amie St. Croix successful grape and wine industry in any locality. Frontenac Gris Edelweiss Sabrevois Prairie Star Louise Swenson King of the North Fortunately, there are extremely cold hardy varieties Brianna Marquette Somerset Seedless Order St. Pepin Frontenac Blue Bell that produce wines that have proven to be enormously NOW popular with the public. These marginal areas would not For 2010 be regarded as marginal if they relied on Frontenac, King Planting of the North, Prairie Star, Frontenac Gris, Sabrevois, Ray A. Winter 18103-628th Ave. Marquette and La Crescent. Even many vines that we Janesville, MN 56048 Minnesotans may regard as marginal like Edelweiss, Home: 507-234-5469 St. Pepin, St. Croix, Lacrosse and others would be Mobile: 507-317-7914 fully adaptable to regions where southern varieties are unreliable. Edelweiss for example, has actually become — PLEASE CALL WITH ORDER — the overall #1 white wine grape in Nebraska and is close to that ranking in Iowa. Fully as important, they would Email: [email protected] be entirely reliable in areas where growers now hover Website: www.winterhavengrapevines.com around their weather stations in winter, stressing over 10 Winter 2009

Vintage Wisconsin - Wine is booming in the land of beer and cheese. Growers are hoping that CALS research on Wisconsin-friendly grapes can help uncork the industry’s potential. by Theresa Lins BS’92 If things had played out just a little differently, America’s Agricultural Development and Diversification Grant love affair with wine might have started on a scenic program, the trial began in 2007 with the planting of 15 hillside overlooking the Wisconsin River. In the middle varieties of seedless table grapes. Last year, researchers of the 19th century, a Hungarian count named Agoston at three research stations—West Madison, Spooner Haraszthy planted vineyards on those gentle slopes, and the Peninsular station near Sturgeon Bay—added hoping to introduce the European tradition of fine wine grapes into the mix. Four red-wine grape cultivars viticulture to America. But the harsh winters took their and three white-wine grape cultivars were planted at all toll on both Haraszthy and his grapes, and after just three sites, which were chosen for their differing climates. seven years in Wisconsin he headed west. Eventually, Another five varieties are being tested at West Madison he found his way to Sonoma, California, where he and the Peninsular to test warmer-climate grapes. founded another vineyard and helped plant the seeds of Coquard, who helped get the research project off the California’s powerful wine industry. Today, the fertile hills ground, is already encouraged. “Grape growers in along the Wisconsin River are again planted with grapes, Wisconsin need information on what can grow in cold and Philippe Coquard sees signs that Haraszthy’s vision winters and hot, humid summers, when to prune, what may finally be coming true. Coquard is chief winemaker kind of trellis systems work best for which cultivars, what at Wollersheim Winery, which has operated a vineyard on spray will control fungus, et cetera. We at Wollersheim, the banks of the Wisconsin River for 35 years. Winning with (our) experience, have most of these answers, both national and international recognition for his wines, but what works for us might not work at a different site. Coquard has put Wisconsin on the wine world’s map. We don’t have the land or the time to sacrifice vines, But these days, Coquard has lots of company. Fifty-two either. There are also so many new cultivars available,” commercial vineyards have sprouted in Wisconsin, and he says. “We are looking forward to seeing some true interest in viticulture is soaring. And that makes Coquard experimentation coming out of these trials.” wonder: Could Wisconsin be known not just as the cheese state, but as the wine-and-cheese state? “Wine Wisconsin’s geography is surprisingly advantageous for and cheese are a natural pairing,” he says. “Wisconsin growing wine grapes. In addition to deep, rich soils that has a history of growing grapes since 1850. Once we are conducive to grape vines, our rolling hillsides protect know what varieties work here, we can grow grapes to grapes from high winds while allowing gentler breezes make outstanding and recognized wines.” to blow through the plants, keeping frost damage at bay. The lakes and rivers that surround the state create a The idea is compelling. Last year, Americans drank up variety of microclimates that can suit the crop quite well. 25 percent of the wine produced worldwide, making the Several vineyards are located near the Mississippi River United States the world’s leading consumer of wine for in Vernon County, with others along the Wisconsin River the first time. Combine that taste for wine with a growing in Richland and Sauk counties and near Lake Michigan interest in locally produced foods, and Wisconsin grape in Door County. growers sense opportunity. “People actively go around the state looking for wineries,” says Ryan Prellwitz, But geography also presents a challenge. “Grape president of the newly formed Wisconsin Grape Growers growing is just so specific to the microclimate you are Association. “As our industry expands, people won’t have in,” says Julie Coquard of Wollersheim Winery. “It’s just to go to California to find good quality wines.” a challenge to learn what to do all along the way, how to take care of (the vines).” True, Wisconsin winters haven’t mellowed since Haraszthy fled for the coast. But the new crop of Wisconsin wine Until recently, most Wisconsin grape growers faced growers have a one thing the Hungarian entrepreneur those challenges on their own. UW-Madison had done didn’t: the benefit of research. As part of a partnership little research on grapes as a commercial crop, partly with state grape growers, CALS’ Agricultural Research because the industry’s profile was so small. Judy Stations have launched a new program to evaluate Reith-Rozelle BS’85 MS’88, assistant superintendent varieties of grapes that may be best suited for Wisconsin’s at the West Madison Agricultural Research Station, growing conditions. Supported by funds from the state’s says most growers operated backyard operations and Volume 35, Number 4 11 consumed their own grapes. There was little networking or information sharing among growers, she says. In 2006, Reith-Rozelle met with Philippe Coquard to look into a more formal research program. “When Philippe and I had our first meeting, we wondered if we could get 20 people to show up at an informational session,” she says. But a meeting in March 2007 at Wollersheim drew more than 100 growers, convincing the organizers that the interest was there. Growers simply lacked organization. Last year, growers came together to form the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association to share information and promote the industry. Prellwitz, who grows grapes near Ripon, says the early discussions with the university were integral to forming the group. “We have a lot of people coming into this industry without a traditional agricultural background. There is significantly more support available from the university system than most people realize, and we’ll take all of the help we can get,” he says. But the relationship is reciprocal. Reith-Rozelle says grape growers have provided lots of advice about planting and pruning their trial vines. According to a survey done this year by UW-Extension, the WGGA and the Wisconsin Winery Association, there are now more than 240 farmers growing grapes in Wisconsin. Wisconsin vineyards remain small, averaging less than three and a half acres. But in total more than 100,000 grape vines are now growing in the state. Some of the new growers are seasoned farmers who are turning to grapes because of their value. While the initial investment to establish a vineyard can run $12,000 an acre, each acre can yield two to three tons of grapes, depending on the variety. With a ton of wine grapes Winery & Vineyard selling for about $1,200, CALS horticulture professor Tasting Room • Gift Shop • Art Gallery Brent McCown figures that an acre of wine grapes can return $1,500, about three times the average per-acre Open April through December return for corn. Table grapes can offer good returns, as Located in the SW Metro, 1 mile well. While Wisconsin has traditionally not grown many south of Lydia on MN Hwy 13. seedless table grapes, Reith-Rozelle says their high market value makes them a good choice for community- 21646 Langford Ave. (Hwy 13) supported agriculture and farm-to-consumer sales. Jordan, MN 55352 But McCown adds that the growth in vineyards also reflects the popularity of viticulture as a hobby. “We have a lot of retirees from Minneapolis and Chicago buying land in Wisconsin and wanting to grow grapes, but they Email: [email protected] don’t have any idea how,” he says. www.crofutwinery.com Julie Coquard understands the appeal. “It’s part of getting back to nature and enjoying life. Grapes are a Phone: 952-492-3227 (492-FAB7) 12 Winter 2009 romantic crop to grow … At least it looks romantic until in the form of royalties.” you understand how much work it is,” she says with a But while interest in growing the new varieties is knowing smile. high, little information exists on how the new cultivars That’s a lesson Lois Sterling can relate to. Sterling, who perform in Wisconsin. That’s why the trials at the CALS operates a vineyard in Viroqua, grew up on a dairy farm research stations are so eagerly anticipated. “We have and never fancied herself a winemaker. Then in 2000, an important educational role to play because no one she attended a meeting organized by Tim Rehbein has worked with these cultivars before. We can answer BS’81 MS’87, Vernon County’s extension agent. Rehbein a lot of questions on how you manage these varieties, was looking to recruit farmers to grow grapes instead what kind of diseases and pests you’re going to deal of tobacco, and Sterling thought it might make a fun with, and which varieties you can grow in each region,” retirement project for her parents. She came away McCown says. thinking that she might want to give it a try herself. Now, The stations will publish preliminary results from the with her husband and her parents, she cares for 2,500 trials this fall, and McCown says the findings will be grape vines on a five-acre vineyard. shared with extension agents and growers. Reith-Rozelle “It’s been so much fun. We’ve met so many interesting anticipates hosting one-day schools for current and people,” says Bonnie Sterling, Lois’s mother. “Grape potential growers at the research stations to help the growers are totally eccentric. You have to be eccentric industry develop. to do this.” But the industry’s growth also depends on marketing. As often happens with romance, the Sterlings’ flirtations While some wineries are already growing the cold-hardy with grapes have led to maternity. “My grapes are my grapes, the names of the wines don’t necessarily reflect babies,” says Lois proudly, and she cares for them with the new varieties. For instance, Wollersheim doesn’t parental attention. To keep deer from eating sprouting offer a Foch wine, but it puts Foch grapes into its Prairie vines, for example, the Sterlings hang pantyhose filled Sunburst Red and Prairie Blush wines. The WGGA’s with soap shavings from trellises each spring. They have Prellwitz would like to see the grapes get higher billing. also nailed up old compact discs throughout their fields “We want to brand cold-hardy varieties and promote them to create a shiny distraction to avert robins. “Each year, as much as possible,” he says. “When someone walks there is some new crisis,” she says. into a store we want them to recognize these varieties But nothing challenges the Midwestern grape grower that grow well in Wisconsin.” more than weather. Some of the most popular wines McCown agrees that Wisconsin wines could come to among American consumers—such as occupy a special niche for regional consumers. “You and Merlot—are made from grapes that don’t fare well could have blends that will make the wines unique to a in Wisconsin’s short growing season. As a result, most particular region. For example, wine from the Driftless Wisconsin’s wineries have to import grapes to make Area in southwestern Wisconsin would be interesting. I their wines. think that’s a major part of the future—unique, high value, In the past eight years, however, researchers at the highly marketable wine,” he says. University of Minnesota have bred and released several But ultimately the choice to embrace Wisconsin wines new varieties of cold-hardy grapes. Grown by a Wisconsin will be up to consumers. Lois Sterling can recall the days plant breeder named Elmer Swenson, the new varieties when just the mention of Wisconsin wine drew a laugh include classically Midwestern-sounding grapes such as or a gasp. “I hope with the WGGA in place everyone will La Crosse, La Crescent and Marquette, as well as Old take us seriously,” she says. “Even wine people will say, World-inspired lines like Foch (pronounced FOE-ish) ‘That’s not Merlot, or that’s not Chardonnay.’ I say, ‘No, and Frontenac. we can’t grow that here, but wouldn’t you like to try some “We now have a Midwest wine industry thanks to Foch or Frontenac?’” Wisconsin winemakers are betting these Minnesota-developed cultivars,” says McCown. that soon the answer will be yes. “Funding from the Minnesota state legislature over the *Author of the above article is Theresa Lins and has last three decades drove this grape research. Minnesota been reprinted by Permission of Grow Magazine a is now reaping the rewards because these varieties are publication of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, patented, and they are getting a return on their investment Dept. of Agriculture and Life Sciends. Volume 35, Number 4 13

Somerset: The Table Grape Somerset to the area schools, and the kids really went by Judy Olson Wild Mountain Vineyard, Almelund, MN for them. Plus our friend realized these grapes were a good source of nutrition and antioxidants. I have I believe the year was 1996 when we first visited a feeling that there’s a lot of Somerset out there, and Elmer Swenson. He was an amazing man; twenty this is just one example of what can be done with this years our senior and we could hardly keep up with grape. him. He proceeded to take us around his vineyard, showing us all the different varieties ending up at his We have an experimental patch of numbered grapes mini greenhouse. He always had this sly smile on his of Elmer’s in our vineyard. We have been recording, face when he talked to us, which kind of made me observing, and tasting them for the last 5 or 6 years. feel I didn’t know what we were in for. He went into Right now, there are some vines in there that look rather his greenhouse and came out with a gunnysack full promising. At the end of the harvest last year we threw of numbered cuttings and peat moss. We stood there them all together and made a pretty good batch of wine looking at the cuttings as he handed them out, saying we call Elmer’s Red. The longer it sits the better it gets. this one is good, this one is better, and you’ll really like And who knows, maybe there will be another surprise this one. We really had no idea what we were getting, in our “Experimental Patch” like the one we found with and to my surprise, we ended up with one numbered Somerset. ES 12-7-98. Today it is called Somerset, but we are not really sure how it got its name. 2010 — BOARD OF DIRECTOR The Somerset has NOMINATIONS UNDERWAY turned out to be quite an by David Duddleston, Nominating Committee experience for us. We have The Board of Directors’ fall recruiting season is underway. sold cuttings to different We would like to explain some of our efforts and hope you will consider applying for a position on MGGA’s Board of nurseries in Minnesota, Directors. Over the past year, your Board has worked to: 1) Nebraska, and as far away improve the recruitment and vetting process of candidates for as Vermont. We’ve also the Board, 2) help ensure Board members represent a cross sold plants to local Master section of members’ interests, and 3) ensure we diligently Gardeners, and grapes at identify and develop individuals to take on Board leadership as part of our succession planning as discussed at the Annual the Farmers Markets and Meeting last January. to grocery stores. At the Your Board has developed a list of skills it considers Farmers Market we have a important for those who serve. We are using this list as a sample dish with grapes for people to try the Somerset. benchmark against which to identify skills of current members We’re just amazed at the looks they have while tasting and fill positions with candidates who can help further them. We estimate that about 80 percent of those that Board knowledge and experience. Some examples of the types of skills and experience we have identified include taste them will buy some. The locals absolutely love project management, accounting, education, marketing, them, and always ask for more. A positive characteristic publications, information technology, customer services. of Somerset is its early ripening. We’re able to pick These are in addition, of course, to a love of grape growing them from late August through the month of September and/or winemaking. We have listed these qualities in a matrix which is available on MGGA’s website. before we get into harvesting the wine grapes. Between now and our next Annual Meeting, January 23, Our greatest accomplishment came this year through 2010, we are recruiting future Board candidates. We a friend who works with the school lunch program. It’s encourage each of you to consider applying. Please visit called From Farm to School. The food service director www.mngrapes.org and click on the BOD application to apply on-line. A member of the Board’s Nominating Committee will is trying to incorporate more locally grown fruits and contact you. If you prefer to complete a paper application, vegetables into the school lunch program, rather than please download the printable version of the application and shipping from California, Texas, or elsewhere. We send to D.Duddleston as instructed. brought in over a thousand pounds of pink seedless We welcome your application. 14 Winter 2009 VESTA COMES TO MINNESOTA (Viticulture, Enology Science Technology Alliance) by Dennis Emslie Drummond, VESTA Central Lakes College Coordinator VESTA, the Viticulture Enology Science and Technology watching course content from their homes or offices. Alliance, (www.vesta-usa.org) is a partnership between More than 477 students from 36 states have participated eight Mid-American colleges and universities which in VESTA courses, and three students have taken online allocate courses and resources among state agriculture courses while living in Italy, Germany and Switzerland. agencies, vineyards and wineries who share a forward- Most students are non-traditional – the average student thinking vision for education in grape growing and age is 40 – and one student is learning at age 85. winemaking. The VESTA schools include Missouri VESTA instructors live all over the U.S. and many are State University in West Plaines, Mo., Northeast Iowa not educators by profession. Zoran Ljepovic teaches Community College in Peosta, Iowa, Rend Lake College Enology through VESTA while living in California as a in Ina, Ill., Redlands Community College in Okla., quality control consultant for Constellation Wines U.S. Arkansas Tech University in Ozark, Ark., Highland “I’m pleasantly surprised to see how much winemaking Community College in Wamego, Kan., Central Lakes is developing in the Midwest. Using the Internet for College in Brainerd and Staples, Minn. and Michigan lectures means students can get the best education State University’s Institute for Agricultural Technology, from wine experts wherever they live,” said Ljepovic. East Lansing, Mich. “Winemaking is hard work, but in the end you have the “Mid-American states were experiencing 400 to 800 pleasure of enjoying a glass of good wine. People are percent growth in the wine and grape industry, but passionate about it.” had no way to develop a knowledgeable workforce to Dennis Emslie Drummond has been hired by the Central support that growth,” said Michelle Norgren, director of Lakes College, with campuses in Brainerd and Staples, VESTA’s regional center. In 2003, leaders at universities, to coordinate the VESTA expansion in Minnesota. He two-year colleges, state agricultural agencies, vineyards has been in the wine business for 26 years, studied and wineries in Missouri, Iowa, Oklahoma and Illinois Viticulture at Santa Rosa JC and Enology at UC Davis, founded VESTA with a grant from the National Science California, and has worked in California, New Zealand, Foundation (NSF). Michigan and Wisconsin. The first objective is to contact VESTA attracts non-traditional students, many of wineries and vineyards to see if they would like to sign whom are on their way to opening their own wineries up as hands on “practicum” sites. The second objective or vineyards. Blending online courses with hands-on is research the possibility of developing an experimental fieldwork, this unique program partners with vineyards vineyard at the Central Lakes Agricultural Center. and wineries across the country. Students get complete Dennis and Michelle Norgren, VESTA Director, will access to the highest quality grape and wine instruction be present at the VESTA booth at the Cold Climate in their own backyard, whether rural or urban. According Conference Feb. 11th-13th 2010. We look forward to to Norgren, just a few years ago those same students meeting you and answering any questions you have! would have had to move to the East or West coast to pursue their winemaking career. The platform Dennis Emslie Drummond VESTA CLC Coordinator Enologist MSc./Winemaker automatically records and encodes presentations at 1830 Airport Road, Staples, MN 56479 multiple bit rates with varying video qualities. This allows (218) 894-5133 Staples all students, regardless of their location or Internet (218) 828-0311 Brainerd 800-247-6836 ext. 5133 access quality, to watch a presentation optimized for (218) 894-5186 Fax their connection. VESTA students, many of whom live [email protected] far from urban centers, have no trouble accessing and [email protected] Volume 35, Number 4 15 “Stylish” Prairie Berry Wines WINE PRODUCTION GUIDE FOR Win More Accolades in EASTERN NORTH AMERICA California I have received a new book from the Natural Resource, POSTED: MAY 22, 2009 Agriculture and Engineering Service section of Cooperative Extension called “Wine Grape Production HILL CITY, SD – It’s awards season in the commercial Guide for Eastern North America.” wine industry, and South Dakota’s own Prairie Berry Winery is continuing to cause quite a stir in California. Covered are many topics of interest to growers in At the 2009 Riverside International Wine Competition, our region: Site selection, costs of establishment, the local, family-owned winery recently received a grape and rootstock varieties, pruning and training, prestigious “Chairman’s Award”—a unanimous gold canopy management, crop yields, nutrients, irrigation from the panel of judges—for their 2008 Frontenac Gris, spray drift, disease, insects and mites, weeds, wildlife, as well as Gold Medals each for their 2008 Frontenac grape purchase contracts, and leasing a vineyard, and Raspberry Honeywine. wine grape quality - when to pick. The judges were in particular, impressed with the wines You may check this out from Winona Extension or get made from University of Minnesota-developed, cold your own copy from hardy hybrid grapes. News of high-quality wines made www.NRAES.org, [email protected] from previously unproven grape species is a high point Tom van der Linden Extension Educator University of for an ag-based industry that is struggling with the Minnesota Extension - Winona County repercussions of climate change. Editor’s Note: Thanks Tom. Dan Berger, of the Riverside International Wine Competition commented, “It’s probably a little unusual for us to see a Frontenac even entered, but fairly common for the Riverside Wine Competition to recognize such wines. We’ve given gold medals and sweepstakes awards before to Traminette, to Diamond, to Vignole, and to at least a dozen other unusual grape varieties. But the stylish manner in which these two Frontenacs were made were really very encouraging for the judges. And in particular because the two wines were tasted by two completely different panels who had never chatted with each other. To have these two varieties do so well in our competition is wonderful news.” Prairie Berry Winery has accumulated 349 medals and accolades for 42 different wines since first entering competitions in 2001. Fifth generation winemaker Sandi Vojta and her husband, Matt Keck, moved Prairie Berry to its current Hill City location from Rapid City in 2004. Found three and a half miles northeast of Hill City on Highway 385, the winery’s Tasting Room is open to the public daily, year-round. 16 Winter 2009 Dilemma of The Red Wine - Flavor or Healthiness? by Alexandru Bortnov, Shoreview, MN For the past few years the Press has published some resistance to fungal diseases in grapes. Unfortunately articles and we have all seen some Television material, we do not have many scientific publications in research about how healthy red wine is and how a new element area about different amounts of resveratrol in skins, has been discovered in red wine, resveratrol which vitamins in seeds, variations of active ions and helps to prolong the life of cells in our body. Not only vitamins in juices of different cultivars of grapes grown as a long time grape grower but as a physician I have world wide. Surely it would be interesting to develop decided to express my views on this subject. a research project for our local grapes to identify the What is wine in general? Wine is naturally fermented healthiest cultivars with higher levels of resveratrol. grape juice, which processes sugar into alcohol by the Another valuable project would be to encourage our action of yeast. By using different colored grapes we scientists to gauge the influence of our difficult climate can make white, rosé and red wines. White wine and on production of resveratrol in local grapes. I think we rosé wine are produced using primary fermentation have “better climate” for producing resveratrol in our without pulp, skins and seeds. The red wine production plants than California does. Probably it also would be usually involves pulp, skins and seeds during primary interesting to check the amount of resveratrol , vit.E and fermentation. microelements in our wine made from different blends of grapes, because I believe that different cultivars In regard to resveratrol it is a polyphenolic phytoalexin, have different levels of benefits and combinations classified as stilbene and is produced in plants by the of these grapes will improve the quality of the wine. help of the enzyme stilbene synthase. Resveratrol When traveling in France in 2005, I was surprised how was originally isolated by Takaoka from roots of white expensive were some rare wines made from blends of hellebore in 1940. However, it attracted wider attention different cultivars most of which were unknown to me. in 1992, when its presence in wine was suggested as The same idea would fit into grape juices as blends of (1) the explanation for cardioprotective effects of wine . In grapes in grape juice, will increase the benefits in the (2) grapes, resveratrol is found primarily in the skin , and juice and thus would be healthier as well. - in Muscadine (Vitis Rotundifolia) grapes- also in the seeds (3). The amount found in grape skins also varies Of course as healthier, more disease resistant grapes with the grape cultivar, its geographic origin, and its and their juices and wines are included in our diet exposure to fungal infection. The amount of fermentation the healthier we are going to be. Thus, we need to time a wine spends in contact with the grape skins is encourage our breeders to create more healthy plants, an important determinant of its resveratrol content(1). naturally containing higher concentrations of resveratrol Mark Rene LeBlanc from Louisiana State University, and vitamins not only in our grapes, but also in other the Department of Horticulture also mentioned in his fruits and berries. The goal would be to use fewer Ph.D. dissertation that the Vitis labrusca cultivar “Miss chemicals by growing disease resistant plants first Blanc” has a greater skin stilbene concentration than because diseased plants have less resveratrol and black skinned cultivars. Vitis labrusca grape juices have secondly, because it is practically impossible to remove relatively high stilbene concentration when compared 100% of residual chemicals, especially from grapes, to Muscadine juices (3). This is easy to explain because and these are harmful to our health being involved in Vitis labrusca grapes are more disease resistant biochemical reactions in our body. The object of this than Muscadine grapes. I believe that the naturally article has been to discuss what we are drinking and healthiest plants (not requiring spraying by chemicals) how to receive benefits from that. At the beginning of have higher concentrations of resveratrol because this article I mentioned that research discovered the it is well known that greater resveratrol is produced length of fermentation time a wine spends in contact in plants when influenced by injuries, infection or with the grapes skins is an important determinant of its ultraviolet irradiation. Jeandet et al., 1995 discovered resveratrol content. This is simple to explain as longer that higher concentration of resveratrol provides better primary fermentation at lower temperatures brings better Volume 35, Number 4 17 extraction of resveratrol, vitamins and microelements health and energy. We should encourage healthy, into the wine. We still need good research to determine multigrape wines the same way we talk about healthy, the best temperatures and length of time for maximum multigrain breads. extraction of these benefits into wine. Recently I was This is a joke, but as in any joke there is a good portion surprised when watching a video (from my friend, a of truth. Maybe some day we will see wine and grape Georgian priest) about old fashioned winemakers of juice labeled multigrape red wine or multigrape juice. I the Eastern European Republic of Georgia living in recently was not surprised to see in a food store some Caucasus Mountains. It has been archaeologically rather expensive Resveratrol Juice based on Concord proven that the roots of Georgian viticulture are between grape juice and a blend of other grapes and berries 7000 and 5000 BC. In their centuries old traditions they juices. I hope that these healthy grape juices and make wine in a large clay vessels, called kvevri, (about wines, enriched with resveratrol and other nutrients will 75 gallons in each vessel) buried underground with become popular in the nearest future with consumers only the entrance of these huge carboys at the level of and this will create new products for grape growers and the earth. The kvevris were closed with a wooden or wineries through out the region. clay lid and then covered and sealed with earth. Actual References: primary fermentation was performed at the temperature 1. Baur,J.A., Sinclair, D.A., “Therapeutic Potential of of the ground (about 50-55 degree of F.). The heat Resveratrol: the In Vivo Evidence”. Nature Reviews Drug from fermenting grapes and juice is absorbed through Discovery 5, 493-506 (June 2006). ceramic walls of these kvevris into the earth which 2. Roy,H., Lundy,S., Resveratrol, Pennington Nutrition slowed down the process. Believe it or not, primary series, 2005 No7. fermentation of their wines is about 3-4 months long. 3. LeBlanc, Mark Rene (2005-12-13) “Cultivar, juice Secondary fermentation without seeds, skins and pulp Extraction, Ultraviolet Irradiation and Storage Influence the Stilbene Content of Muscadine Grapes (Vitis Rotundifolia may continue for years. According to historical data Michx.)”. some kvevris may remain entombed for up to 50 years. During my visit to Georgia in 1983 I was able to taste some commercial wines, but unfortunately, did not taste these old fashioned wines. From my observations, however, even commercial Georgian wines were higher in tannins than most wines. I think now that if the wine has higher tannins which come from skins and seeds it is because, in many cases, the primary fermentation is longer and thus at the same time better and more complete extraction of resveratrol and vitamins as well. I had the same observation in France in 2005: some of the French wines made from grape varieties unknown to me, were higher in natural tannins (not from oak) than usual. In conclusion, I am sure that as more grapes are included in our wines, the healthier they will be for us because different varieties of grapes have different levels of resveratrol, vitamins, antioxidants and ions in them. By a combination of grapes we can create a good flavored wine, but I think more important, how healthy the wine will be for us. I believe in the future, our priority should be not to drink only flavorful alcohol beverage, but also high quality wine to improve our 18 Winter 2009 Help! My Eyes Are Bigger Than sure that the local deer, raccoons, and birds were happy at my lack of harvesting the fully grown and ripe grapes in the My Stomach autumn. Every year, the local wildlife was getting a better by Tim Kiernan fruit diet than I was. I always had the best of intentions to This is the way I felt when looked over the area that I do more work on the “vineyard” the following year, but as wanted to be a vineyard. But that is getting ahead of with most things in my life, URGENT was always taking over my story. In 1986, we bought a farm outside Buffalo, from PLANNED. MN with the idea of raising a family of teenagers and My lack of care was becoming extremely apparent in the directing their energy into something useful instead of fall of 2007. The frustration with my inability to become a getting into trouble in the city. The idea might have good steward of the land made me mow all of the vines to been with the best of intentions, but the way “life” can ground level. The following spring, I realized that a saying change outcomes is amazing. Since researching the my friend uses that “Nature Wins” was going to effect me and cold weather grapes, joining the MGGA, and planting my future. The vines still wanted to be vines and my cutting over 500 vines, time has taken its toll on me and the them down was not going to be a permanent solution to my vineyard. problem. Since I have always been prone to avoiding the The first few years were wonderful. Planting the small vines, chemical choice in the vine disease and have never used watching them growing, pruning (sometimes with teenagers pesticides or herbicides, I decided to give the vines another OVER pruning) and harvesting the grapes to make jelly in chance. I would spend more time in the spring and summer the kitchen was a great experience for the whole family. to maintain them. That was as far as I was willing to go in The vineyard did for us exactly what I had in mind when we my efforts. My hope was that the vines would provide me planted. It brought us together and we talked more in the with the same harvest I had experienced before. The darn field than we had ever talked over the dinner table in the deer and birds had other ideas and when I was ready to city. I think it was a great move. But, that was then, and harvest, they were ready to eat. this is now. My current dilemma with the vines and the article in the When the children left the farm to go off to school and work, MGGA newsletter about the city dweller and his joy of the vines did not know the difference in the amount of sun or growing vines and looking forward to the crop has me rain, but probably noticed the difference in the pruning. I am wondering if there is another soul out there who would like to grow grapes but lacks the space. That is, the space to put enough vines in the ground to make even a single bottle of wine. I have the land, you have the labor and as RED GREEN says, “we are all in this together.” If you would like to talk about your time and talent and my lack thereof, please contact me by calling my home phone at (763) 682-4477 in Buffalo, Minnesota. Let’s talk about something that could be of benefit to both of us. 507-249-WINE Weekends May - Oct LOOKING FOR ARTICLES www.fieldstonevineyards.com Articles submitted to the editor AND used in 38577 St. Hwy 68 Morgan, MN the NFTN will entitle the author to a 5 Miles West of Morgan/Hwy 68 FREE one year MGGA membership. From 500 word minimum and must be of interest to Minnesota Grapes & Fruit northern grape growing / winemaking. Submit to: John Marshall — [email protected] Volume 35, Number 4 19 MGGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES A meeting of the board of directors was held at the Sheraton Paula Soholt reported to the Board of Directors the status of Hotel, 7800 Normandale Blvd., Minneapolis, Minnesota on the 2010 Cold Climate Conference and provided, among other October 8, 2009 beginning at 6:30 P.M. things, a draft of the conference agenda. Present: Paula Soholt, Tom Martell, Alan Olson, Larry Rick Mollin and Dave Duddleston agreed to provide an invitation Westerberg, Don Slinger, Richard Mollin, Ron Barnes, Dave and short program to area legislators at the prestroll and wine Duddleston, Kori Knudsen. stroll portion of the Cold Climate Conference. Absent: Dale Olmstead, Tom Mohn, Cyndi Ross, Jim Luby, John Dave Duddleston reported on the matrix and skill set survey Thull and Nick Smith. for the board of directors. Treasurer’s report presented by Ron Barnes and discussion Kori Knudsen reported on the status of the strategic initiatives of current cash balance. Motion to accept treasurer’s report by to the board. Rick Mollin and seconded by Dave Duddleston. Motion passed Rick Mollin reported on the status of the winter kill survey. Jim unanimously. Luby’s suggestions will be incorporated into the survey; a draft Presentation by Mr. Barnes regarding current status of MGGA will be circulated to board of director members. membership. Alan Olson reported on the status on the Elmer Swenson chair, Mr. Duddleston commented on the relationship developing suggesting to the family that any royalties collected would be with the Minnesota Hospitality Association, which acts as allocated 75% to the family and 25% to MGGA. Mr. Olson will an umbrella group for Minnesota Restaurants Association, report on the mechanism to be used to collect and distribute Minnesota Camping Association and Minnesota Lodging the royalties at further board of director meetings. Association. Discussion by the board members to encourage Motion by Dave Duddleston, seconded by Don Slinger to elect relationship between Minnesota Hospitality Association and Bruce Smith as chairman of the Elmer Swenson chair and a MGGA. director of the MGGA at the January, 2010 annual meeting. Paula Soholt reported on the International Cold Climate Wine Motion passed unanimously. Competition held August 25th at the University of Minnesota, Motion by Rick Mollin, seconded by Larry Westerberg to adopt St. Paul Campus. consent agenda and all reports submitted thereto. Motion Motion by Alan Olson, seconded by Dave Duddleston to appoint passed unanimously. Gordon Rouse as chairman of the 2010 International Cold Meeting adjourned 9:45 P.M. Climate Wine Competition. Motion passed unanimously. Richard Mollin, Secretary

PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY q RENEWAL q New/Change 1) Are you a grower? q yes q no Winemaker? q yes q no

Name:______Other?______

Business:______2) q Amateur q Professional

Address:______3) How many vines do you have planted? ______

City:______Future plans?______

State/Province:______4) What is the predominate variety planted?______

Zip:______Country:______

Phone:(______)______Future plans?______

Email:______q Yes, I prefer to receive my quarterly newsletter via email instead of receiving it by mail at the reduced membership Join or renew by visiting www.mngrapes.org or rate of $40. This option requires a valid email address. complete & mail this form and your $45 check to: MGGA (Minnesota Grape Growers Assn.) *Membership dues are $45, but by choosing your NFTN be sent 433 West Third Street, Suite 1 via email, your membership is discounted $5 to $40. Red Wing, MN 55066 Minnesota Grape Growers Association MDT & Associates 3319 York Ave. N. President: Tom Martell Vice President: Paula Soholt Minneapolis, MN 55422 Secretary: Richard C. Mollin Local: (763) 529-4355 Treasurer: Ron Barnes Toll Free: 1-888-530-7082 Board of Directors: David J. Duddleston, Donald Slinger, Kori Knudsen, Cyndi L. Ross, Alan K. Olson, Fax: (763) 522-5843 Thomas Mohn, Dale Olmstead, John Thull, E-Mail: [email protected] Larry Westerberg, Nick Smith, Mark Wedge www.mdtgrow.com Jim Luby-Ex Officio Editor: John Marshall Call MaryJo for a free catalog Purpose Statement: The Minnesota Grape Growers Association Free grow tube sample on request (MGGA) was formed to further the art and science of growing grapes in cold climates. The Association sponsors grape growing instructional Supplies for Vineyards workshops and events for those interested in learning more about grape SERVING GROWERS growing and winemaking in Minnesota. Pruning Shears, Saws, Loppers LIKE SINCE 1986!YOU Membership Information: Both amateur and experienced commercial growers are invited to join. Membership is *$45 per year and includes Budding & Grafting Knives our Notes From The North quarterly newsletter and, for new members, a Grow Tubes & Treeshelters booklet, Growing Grapes in Minnesota. Send check to Cheri Anderson, 433 West 3rd Street, Ste. 1, Red Wing, MN 55066 Wire Tighteners and Joiners Email: [email protected] Post Staples & Clips, Tying & Trellising Supplies Advertisement: $50 per quarterly issue or $175 per year for ¼ page. Birdgard Electronic Alarms Contact the editor for additional advertising information. Birdcare Items: Cannons, Netting E-mail: [email protected] Deer Repellent, Picking Shears, Grape Forks COPYRIGHT INFORMATION: Unless otherwise noted all material may be copied, quoted, etc., provided the author and MGGA are credited. The editor Refractometers, PH Meters, Books authors all material and photographs without a designated author or source. Fast, Friendly Service! *Membership is $40 if you choose to receive the newsletter via email.

If your mailing label still says 2009 or before, it’s time to renew for 2010. Notes From The North Minnesota Grape Growers Association 433 West 3rd Street, Ste. 1 Red Wing, MN 55066

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Organic and Specialty Crop Farm Business Management Scholarships

Effective financial and business management are important keys to farm prosperity. Farm Business Management (FBM) education helps farm owners and operators learn new skills that will help them meet their own business and personal goals. Producers in the program learn to maintain and, most importantly, use quality records to make sound business decisions. In Minnesota, the FBM program is offered by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system and the Southwest Farm Business Management Association. There are more than 70 farm business management instructors located throughout State of Minnesota. The Organic and Specialty Crop Farm Business Management Scholarship Program, offered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), pays a portion of the cost for organic and specialty crop producers to enroll in FBM education.

Who is eligible to receive a scholarship? 1. Specialty crop growers (fresh market only - eligible crops in 2009 & 2010 are apples, berries, grapes, mixed vegetables, pumpkins, and sweet corn) 2. Certified organic farmers All recipients must be enrolled in a Minnesota FBM program. Only a limited number of scholarships are available.

If I am already an FBM student, am I still eligible? Yes!

How does it work? You will meet one-on-one with a farm business management instructor. Together, you will design a program that fits your needs, customized to your farming operation. At the end of the year, you will receive an analysis that details the performance of your operation. Strict privacy measures protect the confidentiality of your information.

How much are the scholarships? How much do I have to pay? While funds are available, the scholarship will pay:  80% of your tuition for the first two semesters of enrollment,  70% for semesters 3 and 4,  60% for semesters 5 and 6, etc. Tuition ranges from $1,300 to $1,500 per year, depending on your location, so an 80% scholarship would reduce your cost to between $260 and $300.

More è Is it worth the investment? More than 3,000 other Minnesota producers think so! They use the program to help them manage their records and get a clearer picture of what is really happening on their farms from year to year. Which enterprises are making money? Which enterprises are unprofitable? Where could I reduce costs? Enhance profits?You will receive an end of year financial and business analysis and can use an anonymous benchmarking database called FINBIN to compare your operation with others at www.finbin.umn.edu. Participants report that being in the program helps them quickly provide information their banker wants to see, complete farm program forms, and organize information at tax time.

When can I start? You can start the program at any time, but the closer to January 1 that you enroll, the more useful this program will be. How long will this scholarship last? The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will offer this program as long as funds are available.

How do I sign up? 1. Northwest 4. Southwest Contact the farm business management program in your area (see map) Ron Dvergsten Northland Al Bruedlie Jim Kurtz and ask for an instructor. If you are organic, Community and Minnesota West Southwest Farm Technical College Community and Business Management be ready to provide a copy of (218) 683-8747 Technical College Association your most recent organic certificate. (507) 847-7928 (507) 372-3904 The instructor will do the rest. 2. Northeast/East Central 5. South Central 1 DelRay Lecy Al Brudelie Central Lakes College South Central College (218) 894-5164 (507) 389-7264 2 3. West Central 6. Southeast 3 Jim Molenaar Eric Deters Ridgewater Community Riverland Community College 6 and Technical College (507) 259-6262 4 (320) 222-5211 5 Where do the scholarship funds come from? Funds come from MDA, USDA Risk Management Agency, and the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.

What if I have questions this brochure does not answer? Contact Meg Moynihan at the MDA (651) 201-6616 or [email protected]

What participating farmers are saying: It is a good tool to help in all management decisions made on the farm... In a multi-enterprise operation, I have to know my costs of production in order to determine if I am marketing my products for a profit or loss. I highly recommend this program... Our instructor prepares us very well to go to our lenders with our ideas and plans. It has given us courage to expand and improve our farm through (using) credit wisely... My instructor is an awesome numbers guy. I am definitely a better manager because of this much needed program. My lender loves the information...

Project partners and supporters Minnesota State Colleges and Universities  University of Minnesota Center for Farm Financial Management Organic Crop Improvement Association MN Chapter #1  Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota REVISED 11/24/09

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, an alternative form of communication is available upon request. TDD: 1-800-627-3529 An Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider