1. food and drink
2. beverages
3. alcoholic beverages
4. wine

Year 3 Progress Report
September 2013 - September 2014
Northern Grapes:
Integrating Viticulture, Winemaking, and Marketing of New Cold-Hardy Cultivars
Supporting New and Growing Rural Wineries
USDA Specialty Crops Research Initiative Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP) #2011-51181-30850
Chrislyn A. Particka and Timothy E. Martinson
Department of Horticulture
New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Cornell University
The Northern Grapes Project officially started in September 2011; we initially received two years of funding, and after a “gap
year” in funds in Year 3 due to a delay in the farm bill, we were successful in our reapplication, and received two additional
years of funds for September 2014 through September 2016. As Year 3 (the year included in this report) was a gap year in
funds, the Northern Grapes Project was operating at a somewhat reduced capacity, but team members still moved forward
with research and outreach with funds derived from other sources, such as state speciality crop block grants, or from the
no-cost extension granted by the USDA. Vineyard studies continued as planned in most locations, despite the extreme low
temperatures associated with the polar vortex in the winter of 2013/14 that caused extensive damage to vines in some locations. Winemaking trials were conducted as availability of fruit allowed. The marketing and economics team continued
branding and consumer research. In the third year of the project alone, our extensive outreach efforts reached an estimated
audience of 5,500 via numerous outlets, including the Northern Grapes Symposium, our capstone event of the year. The
Northern Grapes Project Webinar Series, likely the most visible of the outreach products, had a live audience of approximately
600 at the 12 live sessions, and thousands of views of the recorded webinars.
Project Goals and Rationale
The Northern Grapes Project is a coordinated agriculture project (CAP), with objectives encompassing the three Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) focus areas of production (viticulture), processing and distribution (winemaking) and
consumers/markets (vineyard and winery business management and marketing). Its focus is the new cold-hardy varieties
developed by the University of Minnesota and private breeders that have made possible grape and wine production in coldclimate areas where it was previously not feasible to grow grapes. These new cultivars have spawned an emerging industry
in the upper Midwest and cooler portions of the Northeast and New England composed of over 300 wineries, 3,300 acres of
grapes, and 1300 growers.
The project’s goals are to enhance and support growth and development of this industry through a coordinated research and
outreach effort focused on varietal performance, specific viticultural and winemaking practices, and marketing/consumer
studies. To accomplish these goals, multi-disciplinary teams are addressing:
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Varietal performance and resulting fruit and wine flavor attributes in different climates.
Applying appropriate viticultural practices to achieve consistent fruit characteristics for winemaking.
Applying winemaking practices to the unique fruit composition of cold-climate cultivars to produce distinctive, high
quality wines that consumers will like and purchase.
Understanding consumer preferences and individual/regional marketing strategies that will increase sales and growth of
wines made from cold-climate cultivars and result in sustained profitability of wineries and vineyards.
The project is a partnership among multi-disciplinary research and extension personnel at 11 universities and 23 regional/
state winery and grape grower associations. It is managed by a seven-member executive committee, and a project advisory
council (PAC) encompassing industry, research, and extension personnel.
Below are short summaries of each study conducted as part of the Northern Grapes
Project. Please click on the study title to access a full research report.
*If you are reading a printed copy of this report, it can be found on-line at http://northerngrapesproject.org/?page_id=390
Objective 1: Document cold climate varietal performance in variable climates and
understand the resulting sensory characteristics of the fruit and wines.
Evaluate cold-climate cultivar performance under a wide range of climates throughout the upper
Midwest and Northeast.
This portion of the Northern Grapes Project is performed in conjunction with the USDA NE-1020 coordinated variety trial,
which started in 2007. Detailed data on weather and standardized vine phenology, bud morality, disease, and yield were
collected for a third year in locations spread across ND, SD, IA, MI, CT, VT, NY, and MA. Fruit samples from five cultivars
(Frontenac, Frontenac gris, Marquette, La Crescent, and St. Croix) were collected at veraison and harvest and analyzed for
fruit chemistry (organic acids, titratable acidity, sugars, and pH).
photo: Amy Ivy
Lindsey Pashow and a volunteer harvest grapes in
the Willsboro, NY cold-hardy grape trial.
Combined analysis of NE-1020 variety trials in ND, SD, NE, IA, MI, NY, VT,
and CT.
Since the 2012 growing season, we’ve annually measured vine phenology (budburst, bloom, veraison, harvest), yield and yield components, and primary fruit
composition at these sites, following a standard data collection protocol. On-site
weather data loggers provide hourly temperature and precipitation data during
the growing season. Preliminary results have shown yields of ripe fruit of up
to 7 T/acre for Frontenac and Marquette. Spring frost injury (2012) and cold
injury (2014) limited yield at some sites. By collecting five seasons of crop and
weather data, we hope to provide information about vine performance in different climates that will help growers inform site selection and match cultivars to
the most suitable climates.
Tim Martinson, Cornell University; Harlene Hatterman-Valenti, North Dakota State University;
Anne Fennell and Rhoda Burrows, South Dakota State University; Paul Read, University of Nebraska; Gail Nonnecke, Iowa State University; Paolo Sabbatini, Michigan State University; Terry Bradshaw and Sarah Kingsley-Richards, University of Vermont;
Francis J. Ferrandino, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Click to access New York report.
In 2005, 25 cold-hardy wine grape varieties were planted at the Willsboro Research Farm in Essex County NY.
Since then, eight years of data collected on these vines—including vine vigor, phenology, yield, fruit quality, and
winter injury—show that many of these varieties have excellent potential for vineyards in the northeast region of
New York.
Click to access Vermont report.
Vitis riparia-based cultivars Frontenac, LaCrescent, and St Croix continue to perform well at the test location
with good bud hardiness and crop yield. However, high acidity in the juice presents a challenge for wine making.
Characterize changes in fruit composition during the ripening phase and how they influence grape
chemistry/quality at harvest.
This team is characterizing northern grape cultivar ripening from gene expression, to metabolites produced by the grapes, to
fruit and wine sensory characteristics. The goal is to understand ripening dynamics and to use this information to develop
novel maturity indices that guide cultural practices and harvest timing.
Sensory profile analysis: Preliminary characterization of wine aroma profiles using solid phase microextraction and simultaneous chemical and sensory analyses.
Preliminary simultaneous chemical and sensory analysis of Marquette, Frontenac, and St. Croix wine shows 60+ chemical
compounds, of which more than 20 produce distinct flavor aroma as detected by human nose, many of which are desirable
for enhanced wine aroma. However, there is no data comparing cold climate wine aromas with wines currently marketed, so
comparisons and benchmarking of aromas in wines made from cold hardy grapes is warranted.
Somchai Rice, Jacek Koziel and Devin Maurer, Iowa State University; Anne Fennell, South Dakota State University
Frontenac and Marquette Berry Skin and Pulp Characterization During Ripening
Frontenac and Marquette have differences in anthocyanins, flavonoids, terpenoids and resveratrol gene
expression in pulp and berry skin. The berry skin
showed the greatest number of differentially expressed
genes and distinct gene sets were identified in two culphoto: Anne Fennell
tivars, Frontenac and Marquette. The differential gene
Frontenac and Marquette berry development, monitored weekly from 30 days post
expression analysis provides potential markers of arobloom to 20°Brix.
ma and flavor differences between the cultivars. The
transcriptomic results will be used to guide metabolite (volatile and chemical) analysis and that can be linked to the flavor
and aroma analysis detected by sensory panels.
Anne Fennell, South Dakota State University
Sensory Characterization of Frontenac and Marquette Berries and Wines by Descriptive Analysis
A trained panel at the University of Minnesota performed descriptive analysis on Marquette and Frontenac berries harvested
at three - four stages of maturity. As the grapes matured, sweetness, jammy flavors and fermented flavors increased while
sourness, astringency, overall flavor and citrus flavor decreased. Frontenac wines made from the later harvested grapes were
more sweet, and had more banana, cooked berry, black currant, cooked vegetable and floral aromas than the wines made
from the earlier harvested grapes. Frontenac wine made from the earlier harvested grapes was more bitter and sour, and had
more mushroom, tamari, and hay flavors than wine made from the later harvested grapes.
Emily Del Bel, Zata Vickers and Katie Cook, University of Minnesota; Anne Fennell, South Dakota State University
Objective 2: Develop and extend research-based vineyard management practices
that allow sustained production of high quality fruit from cold climate cultivars.
Evaluate crop and canopy management strategies to minimize fruit acid content and improve fruit
composition.
Training system, crop load, and canopy management studies were conducted at cooperating growers’ vineyards on several
different cultivars in IA, CT, MI, NE, and NY. Extensive data were collected in all locations, including pruning weights, bud
and shoot counts, yield, fruit chemistry, canopy density, time required to conduct cultural practices, and light distribution
within the canopy. Extreme cold temperatures during the winter caused damage to buds and trunks. in some areas and impacted the results.
Effects of Spacing, Training, and Pruning on Vine Performance and Fruit Quality of St. Croix
in Connecticut
Crop yield for St. Croix in Connecticut was significantly higher using top wire training methods
(Geneva Double Curtain and Hudson River Umbrella). The Geneva Double Curtain had the
greatest productivity due to the doubling of the length of the fruiting canes/cordons. However,
on a per unit length basis, the Hudson River Umbrella yielded comparably. Top-wire trained
vines out-produced middle-wire trained vines by about a factor of two. Fruit chemistry and
berry size was remarkably constant irrespective of training and pruning treatments, as well as
plant spacing.Winter bud kill had a much larger impact on cane pruned vines.
Francis J. Ferrandino, The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Marquette, Frontenac, St. Croix, and La Crescent Training Trial in Nebraska
When northern grape cultivars were tested on a variety of trellising systems in Nebraska, most
photo: Francis Ferrandino performed better on a high cordon or Geneva Double Curtain (GDC) system. Yields and
St. Croix trained to Hundson
soluble solids were significantly higher for Frontenac and Saint Croix when trained to a GDC,
River Umbrella in Connecticut.
with Marquette exhibiting similar crop yield patterns. In addition, titratable acidity exhibited
a downward trend as well. These advantages were attributed to demonstrated better canopy structure, which was evidenced
by better measurable sunlight penetration.
Paul E. Read and Stephen Gamet, University of Nebraska
Vineyard Training Systems for Improving the Quality of ‘Frontenac’, ‘La Crescent’ and ‘Marquette’ Grapes
In Iowa, trials of different vine training systems in Frontenac, La Crescent, and Marquette showed that additional labor was
required to train the Frontenac and La Crescent vines to the vertically oriented training systems (Vertical Shoot Positioning
and Scott Henry). While these training systems increased yields in ‘Frontenac’ in 2013, when compared to Top Wire Cordon
and Geneva Double Curtain, they produced the opposite effect on ‘La Crescent’ vines. In 2014, the training systems treatments were continued in ‘Marquette’ and ‘Frontenac’ cultivars at Snus Hill Winery’s vineyards and plans are in place to continue with these treatments in the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons; data of yield and fruit quality variables will be obtained.
Dylan Rolfes, Paul Domoto, Gail Nonnecke and Diana Cochran, Iowa State University
Marquette Training Trial
In New York training system trials, Marquette had much higher yields on vines trained
to Umbrella Kniffin and Top Wire Cordon than on vines trained to Vertical Shoot
Positioning. Fruit chemistry was generally unaffected by the larger crop on UK and
TWC; only pH was higher in 2014 on VSP vines. Analysis of shaded vs. exposed clusters showed improved fruit chemistry on clusters with good sun exposure. The extremely low temperatures during the winter of 2013-2014 resulted in some bud damage, as well as trunk damage on 25% of the vines that led to collapse in late summer.
Timothy E. Martinson and Chrislyn A. Particka, Cornell University
Frontenac Training Trial
In New York training system trials, Frontenac vines trained to Vertical Shoot Positionphotos: Chrislyn Particka
Early signs of vine collapse (left) on Marquette ing (VSP) had reduced yields compared to Top Wire Cordon (TWC) and Umbrella
vines in New York due to crown gall (right)
Kniffin (UK). Fruit chemistry was largely unaffected by training system, but separate
brought on by severe mid-winter temperatures analysis of shaded versus exposed clusters revealed that exposed clusters had higher
that damaged trunks.
brix and lower titratable acidity than shaded clusters. The 2014 season was marked by
extensive primary bud damage due to winter low temperatures, resulting in little yield; however, no trunk damage was noted.
Timothy E. Martinson and Chrislyn A. Particka, Cornell University
Marquette Crop Load and Training System Trial for Michigan
The 2013-2014 winter in Michigan was impacted by the polar vortex; many cultivars that normally survive our winters with
little to no damage were severely injured by the extreme cold. Our experimental trial on Marquette was partially impacted by
the winter temperatures with 20% bud damage. After fruit set, all of the vines were evaluated and assigned to either one of
the three treatments being tested (high cropping, medium cropping, and low cropping). The three different levels of yield per
vine imposed at fruit set significantly impacted vine yield at harvest but not canopy growth and development. None of the
cluster parameters were impacted by the different treatments, while sugar concentration of the berry at harvest was increased
by reducing the yield per vine but not phenols and color compounds.
Paolo Sabbatini and Pat Murad, Michigan State University
Influence of Crop Load on the Quality of ‘Frontenac’, ‘La Crescent’ and ‘Marquette’ Grapes
In Iowa, trials of grapevines receiving variable crop loads, achieved by shoot thinning, with Frontenac, La Crescent, and
Marquette showed effects on Frontenac only. Shoot thinning at a rate of 6 shoots per foot of cordon, on a top wire cordon
(TWC) training system, produced a higher number of Frontenac clusters as well as a higher overall yield than did thinning
to a rate of 5 or 4 shoots per foot of cordon. Grapevine pruning weights and fruit quality indices will be analyzed. In 2015,
new crop load trials will be initiated at the Iowa State Univ. Horticulture Research Station on ‘Marquette’ and ‘La Crescent’
to obtain additional information on crop load management.
Dylan Rolfes, Paul Domoto and Gail Nonnecke, Iowa State University
Determine optimal mineral nutrition and soil management practices for cold climate cultivars.
The goal of this research is to determine the relationship between soil characteristics, leaf petiole and blade nutrient contents,
and fruit yield and juice characteristics of Frontenac, La Crescent, and Marquette, and to determine the optimal nutrient conditions to maximize fruit yield and quality. Sixteen study sites are located in five states (IA, MN, ND, NY, and SD). Samples
were not collected in Year 3 due to lack of funds, but additional data analysis was conducted on previous years’ data.
Grapevine Nutrition and Juice Quality
High tissue N was associated with high yield, cluster size, and YAN, while tissue K was positively correlated with juice pH
and tissue Ca was positively related to yield. It is not clear whether these results apply to all three cultivars and both years,
and there may be meaningful relationships that can are masked by the inclusion of site as a random effect.
Carl Rosen and James Crants, University of Minnesota
Develop sustainable pest management recommendations based on cold-climate cultivar copper and
sulfur sensitivity and disease resistance.
Copper and sulfur pesticide sensitivity trials were conducted in Wisconsin, as injury from these pesticides occurs in some
grape cultivars, but the sensitivity of cold-hardy cultivars is not known.
Copper and Sulfur Sensitivity of Northern Grape Cultivars
Similar to our experiments in 2012 and 2013, Marechal Foch and Leon Millot
were highly sensitive to sulfur, while no other cultivars were severely affected. Brianna showed some sensitivity to copper, but it was not as pronounced as in 2012
and 2013. However, the rate of actual copper was 1.2 lb/acre compared to 2.0 lb/
acre in past experiments.
Patricia McManus, Victoria Kartanos, Matt Stasiak, and Janet Hedtke; University of Wisconsin-Madison
photo: Patty McManus
Sulfur injury on Marechal Foch in Wisconsin
trials.
Objective 3: Develop and optimize winemaking practices to sustainably produce
and market distinctive, high quality wines from cold climate cultivars.
Assess yeast strains for selected cold-hardy cultivars.
As little is known about what yeast strains will work best with the unique juice chemistry of
the cold-hardy cultivars, enologists at the University of Minnesota and Cornell University
are conducting trials with Frontenac, Marquette, La Crescent, and Frontenac gris, using
yeasts selected for their ability to enhance desirable aromas in each cultivar.
Yeast Trials for Improved Wine Quality in Cold Climate Cultivars
Due to low harvest yields, yeast trials were not performed in 2014 on fruit from NY and
VT vineyards. An abbreviated yeast trial was performed at the UMN on La Crescent and
Frontenac rosé wines. A sensory evaluation performed on 2012 wines by a panel of 27 coldclimate wine industry members indicated that region played a stronger role in preference
ranking than yeast strain for producers.
photo: Katie Cook
James Luby, University of Minnesota
Microvinification lots were used to
assess the ability of different yeast
strains to reduce acidity in Marquette
wine.
Optimize deacidification methods for cold climate cultivars.
The high acidity of cold hardy cultivars can challenge even the most skilled winemakers. Therefore, enologist are evaluating
both biological and chemical methods of reducing acidity during the winemaking process, with the goal of selectively reducing malic acid and retaining tartaric acid, if possible.
Optimizing Deacidification Methods for Cold Climate Cultivars
Though double-salt deacification is traditionally performed in juice, a series of experiments assessing the solubility of the two
primary calcium salts in wine suggest that double-salt may be more effective at malic acid removal if performed in dry wines.
Anna Katharine Mansfield, Cornell University and James Luby, University of Minnesota
Optimizing yeast nutritional requirements for cold-hardy wine production
Adequate yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) is necessary for successful wine fermentation. YAN concentration varies by
region, cultivar, and season, but initial surveys of riparia-based hybrids suggest that most have what is considered to be adequate or high YAN concentrations. This research will measure YAN concentration in cold hardy cultivars and determine the
effect of YAN addition on wine sensory profiles.
Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen (YAN) Optimization for Fermentation of Cold Climate Cultivars
YAN concentration in cold-hardy hybrid winegrapes, like that in V. vinifera grapes, varies widely by year and site. For this
reason, YAN concentration must be measured annually to provide winemakers with accurate must nitrogen status. Further,
the extreme variance shown in YAN concentration suggests that a typical prophylactic DAP addition, which can be as high
as 200 mg/L, will put many musts over the recommended maximum concentration of 400 mg/L. To optimize yeast nutrition,
further investigation of the dominant types and concentrations of nitrogen in hybrid cultivars and their impact on hybrid
wine flavor is warranted.
Anna Katharine Mansfield, Cornell University
Objective 4: Identify strategies to support sustainable development of businesses
based on cold climate cultivars, from the individual winery to regional agri-tourism.
Quantify current economic impact of the cold climate grape and wine industry on rural communities
and assess impacts of state policy and law that impede or advance its development.
Further results from the Year 1 Baseline Survey were published, including Vineyards and Wineries in Iowa,Vineyards and
Wineries in North and South Dakota,Vineyards and Wineries in the New England States, Vineyards and Wineries in Wisconsin,
and Vineyards and Wineries in Illinois. Research on variations among states in policies related to winery operations were
conducted, with the goal of understanding how policies influence the revenue of the emerging wine industry. Further, a
brand evaluation study was conducted in February of 2014, in a partnership with the School of Hotel and Tourism Management at Hong Kong Poly University.
Baseline Monitoring for the Cold Hardy Grape and Wine Industries
Cold-hardy wine grape vineyards and locally-sourced wineries remain a small portion of the
total economic engine of the industries. However, survey results published in related Northern Grapes Project publications document the recent growth of the industry. The results also
indicate growth is expected to continue in the cold-hardy industry.
Brigid Tuck and William C. Gartner, University of Minnesota
photo: Cheri Anderson
Brigid Tuck speaks about results
from the Year 1 Baseline survey at
the 2013 Minnesota Grape Growers
Association’s Cold Climate Conference.
Policy Analysis for the Cold Hardy Grape and Wine Industries
Policies directed at how tasting rooms operate had the greatest effect on winery revenues.
Since the majority of sales to consumers occur through the tasting room for farm wineries,
polices that enhance the tasting room experience (e.g. food sales, entertainment) should be
carefully examined. There are likely other policies (e.g. local zoning ordinances) that also play
an important role in revenue flows to wineries but they were not a part of this analysis. Further
studies should expand the range of policies examined.
Won Lee and William C. Gartner, University of Minnesota
Brand Research for the Cold Hardy Grape and Wine Industries
In the baseline monitoring survey produced for the Northern Grapes Project, winery owners/
managers indicated that their most successful marketing efforts were to brand their wines.
This study does not refute that management strategy but it does point out the need to brand the
viticulture area and the grapes used in the production of that wine. A lower willingness to pay once region of production was
known reveals a bias against cold hardy wines. As wineries expand, what they can charge for a bottle of wine will be affected
by the viticulture region of production.
William C. Gartner, University of Minnesota
Identify the consumers of cold climate wines.
Information about consumer behavior and preferences is essential for marketing and product development of cold climate
wines. It also provides benchmarks for future studies to assess the impacts of this project and changes in the industry over
time, including changes in brand awareness, consumers’ perceptions of the product, and the market penetration of cold climate wines. Surveys were conducted in 15 partner wineries in Michigan and mailed to households in six states.
Who are the Consumers of Cold Climate Wines?
The priority of this project was to assess wine consumers awareness and perceptions of wines made from cold climate grapes.
The results from the tasting room visitor and household surveys indicate that brand awareness is low; however, those who
have tasted these wines generally like them.
Don Holecek and Dan McCole, Michigan State University
Complete a production economics study and develop an online, interactive tool for producers to
benchmark their costs and returns.
Small-scale startup vineyards have different cost structures than well-established commercial vineyards, and existing publications aimed at vinifera grapes do not reflect practices and costs for Northern Grapes producers. An integrated researchextension approach will be employed in collaboration with stakeholders to provide benchmarks of production costs and
returns, and make an interactive tool growers can use to benchmark their operation. In 2014, cost studies were developed
for hybrid grapes in New York, and work will continue in 2015 and 2016.
Establishing cost of production estimates for Hybrid Grapes
Growers who are considering planting new or additional vineyards need to carefully weigh the cost of planting and the expected returns. We developed cost studies for various hybrid grapes in New York. These cost and return estimates can help
northern grape growers make better production decisions to identify low-cost production practices and to maximize profits.
Miguel I. Gómez and Yijia Tang, Cornell University
Northern Grapes Project
Outreach Efforts
Outreach in the Northern Grapes Project is integrated with our research effort, in order
to consistently deliver information to those working in the cold climate grape industry.
In the third year of the project, our outreach efforts reached an estimated audience of
5,500 via the Northern Grapes Webinar Series, the Northern Grapes Enterprise Workshops, the Northern Grapes Symposium, and other presentations at grower meetings
and field days. We also published four editions of the Northern Grapes Newsletter and
maintained the Northern Grapes Project website, which had over 7,200 visits this year.
We added over 200 members to our Northern Grapes Project Webinar Series listserve
(1,645 members total) and initiated a new outreach product, News You Can Use.
The Northern Grapes Symposium
The third Northern Grapes Symposium was held on February 22, 2014 in St. Paul, MN,
in conjunction with the Minnesota Grape Growers Association’s Cold Climate Conference. Team members Tim Martinson, Katie Cook, and Brigid Tuck gave updates on
the results of vicitulture, enology, and marketing studies. Carl Rosen gave a separate
photo: Cheri Anderson talk about grapevine nutrition, which contained data from the Northern Grapes ProjPeter Hemstad speaks during the 2014 Min- ect vine nutrition studies. Project Director Tim Martinson gave another separate talk
nesota Grape Grower’s Association’s Cold
about the work being done in collaboration with the NE 1020 project, which evaluates
Climate Conference.
cultivar performance over a wide range of climates.
Martinson, T., K. Cook and B. Tuck. 22 February, 2014. Northern Grapes Project Update Panel. Minnesota Grape
Growers Association Cold Climate Conference. St. Paul, MN.
Rosen, C. 23 February, 2014. Vineyard Nutrition: Tissue and Soil Analysis. Minnesota Grape Growers Association Cold
Climate Conference, St. Paul, MN.
Martinson, T. 21 February, 2014. Fruit Quality Parameters: Results of the NGP from eight states. Minnesota Grape
Growers Association Cold Climate Conference. St. Paul, MN.
Northern Grapes Enterprise Workshops
The Northern Grapes Project sponsored or co-sponsored eight enterprise workshops with participation by over 450 people
this year. Many events were part of university field days, while others were stand-alone meetings. Topics varied from a cultivar x region tasting workshop to a hands-on pruning workshop held at a cooperating grower’s vineyard. Most speakers at
these events were Northern Grapes Project team members, but some featured speakers from outside the project as well.
Burrows, R. and D. Greenlee. April 2014. Pruning Demonstration.
Tucker’s Walk Vineyard, Garretson SD.
Hemstad, P., K. Cook, N. Smith, and J. Thull. 7 September 2013.
University of Minnesota Grape Breeding and Enology Programs
Open House and Field Tour. University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center, Excelsior, MN.
Hemstad, P. J. Luby, K. Cook. 18 January 2014. University of Minnesota Research Update. University of Minnesota Landscape
Arboretum, Chanhassen, MN.
Mansfield, A.K., C. Gerling, T. Martinson and S. Kingsley-Richards. 17 July 2014. Cultivar x Region: An NE1020 and Northern
photo: Anna Katharine Mansfield
Grapes Project Tasting. Burlington, VT.
Participants in the Cultivar x Region: An NE1020 and Northern
Grapes Project Tasting workshop tasted through nine flights of
Read, P. 1 March, 2014. The Northern Grapes Project. 17th Annual
Prairie Star, La Crescent, Frontenac gris, Frontenac, Marquette,
Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Forum and Trade Show,
and St. Croix produced using three different yeast strains.
Kearney, Nebraska.
Read, P., S. Gamet, and B. Loseke. 10 July 2014. Canopy Management and Field Grafting Field Day. Nissen Wine Vineyards, Hartington, NE.
Read, P., S. Gamet, and B. Loseke. 17 July, 2014. Winery Renovation, Crop Estimation and Vineyard Management Field
Day. Miletta Vista Winery, St. Paul, NE.
Read, P., S. Gamet, and B. Loseke. 23 July 2014. Vineyard Re-Establishment and Stress Management Field Day. Mac’s
Creek Winery and Vineyards, Lexington, NE.
Northern Grapes Webinar Series
The Northern Grapes Project hosted six webinars this year (monthly, November through April). All webinars were recorded
and are archived on the Recorded Webinars tab of the project website. Our webinar email list currently contains over 1645
unique email addresses. Over 600 participants joined the live sessions, and webinar recordings (including webinars from
Years 1 and 2) were viewed over 2,400 times. Post-webinar surveys show that viewers are satisfied with the series. When
asked if the logistics of the webinar were satisfactory, 90% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed. Participants also indicated that they’re finding the series to be educational: an average of 84% said their awareness and 80% said their knowledge
of the subjects increased at a moderate or higher level.
Chrislyn Particka, Cornell University
Groves, S. 12 November 2013. T
h e ABCs of the FSMA: The Food
Safety Modernization Act and Wineries.
Haggerty, L. and J. Thull. 10 December 2013. How grape ripening follows growing degree days and Managing vineyards for
high quality.
McConnell, G. and D. McCole. 14 January 2014. Planning for
future growth and investment in your winery and Best practices
for winery collaboration.
Mansfield, A.K. 11 February, 2014. Are you feeding your yeast?
The importance of YAN in healthy fermentation.
Gartner, B. 20 March, 2014. Winery policies across the US and in
the Northern States Region.
Martinson, T. and P. Sabbatini. 8 April, 2014. Impact of crop
load and training systems on viticultural and enological performances of Marquette and Frontenac grown in Michigan and
New York.
Northern Grapes News
Four issues of the Northern Grapes News were published in year two, containing 21 articles written primarily by team members. Some articles contained data and results from the the project, such as the Michigan Wine Tasting Room Research series
and an article about enological tannin additions. Many articles covered topics of interest outside of the actual scope of the
project, such as managing winter-injured vines and equipment options for small wineries. All newsletters were delivered
electronically through project extension personnel and the Advisory Council, and are archived on the “Newsletters” page of
the project website.
Chrislyn Particka, Cornell University, editor
26 November 2013. Vol 2, Issue 4
Cook, K. 2013. Using Selected Yeast Strains to Reduce Wine Total Acidity.
Northern Grapes News 2(4): 1-3.
Martinson, T. 2013. Funding and the Future of the Northern Grapes Project.
Northern Grapes News 2(4): 3-4.
Particka, C. and B. Gartner. 2013. NGP Team profile: Bill Gartner. Northern
Grapes News 2(4): 5.
Holecek, D. and D. McCole. 2013. 2012 Michigan Wine Tasting Room Research – A Series: Issue #2, Tasting Room Visitors’ Wine Purchase & Consumption. Northern Grapes News 2(4): 6-7.
28 February 2014. Vol 3, Issue 1
Groves, S. 2014. Using Enological Tannin Additions to Enhance Red Wine
Structure and Mouthfeel. Northern Grapes News 3(1): 1-3.
Particka, C. and A. Fennell 2014. NGP Team profile: Anne Fennell. Northern
Grapes News 3(1): 3-4.
Particka, C. and R. Burrows. 2014. NGP Team profile: Rhoda Burrows.
Northern Grapes News 3(1): 4-5.
Particka, C. and H. Hatterman-Valenti. 2014. NGP Team profile: Harlene
Hatterman-Valenti. Northern Grapes News 3(1): 5-6.
Rosen, C. and J. Crants. 2014. Assessing the Nutrient Status of Cold-Hardy
Wine Grapes. Northern Grapes News 3(1): 6-8.
Holecek, D. and D. McCole. 2014. 2012 Michigan Wine Tasting Room Reesarch: A Series. Issue #3, Awareness and Perceptions of Cold Hardy Grape
Wines. Northern Grapes News 3(1): 8-10.
19 June 2014. Vol 3, Issue 2
Sabbatini, P. 2014. Managing Winter-Injured Vines Northern Grapes News 3(2): 1-2.
Particka, C. and M. Gomez. 2014. NGP team profile: Miguel Gomez. Northern Grapes News 3(2): 3.
Holecek, D. and D. McCole. 2014. 2012 Michigan Wine Tasting Room Reesarch: A Series. Issue #4, The Impact of Tasting Room Fees on Wine Purchases. Northern Grapes News 3(2): 4-5.
Particka, C. 2014. Northern Grapes Project Funding Update. Northern Grapes News 3(2): 5.
Gerling, C. 2014. Equipment for Small Wineries. Northern Grapes News 3(2): 6-9.
2 September, 2014. Vol 3, Issue 3
Luby, J. 2014. Northern Grape-omics: The Fruit Composition Team is Unraveling Grape Flavors. Northern Grapes News
3(3): 1-3.
McCole, D., D. Holecek, and L. Popp. 2014. Understanding the Travel Behaviors of Wine Tourists in Michigan’s Leelanau
Peninsula. Northern Grapes News 3(3): 3-5.
Mansfield, A. K. 2014. Northern Grapes & NE1020 Cultivar Tasting. Northern Grapes News 3(3): 4.
Particka, C. and T. Martinson. 2014. NGP team profile: Tim Martinson. Northern Grapes News 3(3): 6.
Gerling, C. and C. Particka. 2014. NGP team profile: Chrislyn Particka. Northern Grapes News 3(3): 7.
Domoto, P. 2014. Training Systems for Grapevines. Northern Grapes News 3(3): 8-11.
Northern Grapes News You Can Use
In April, the Northern Grapes Project initiated a new outreach product, News You Can Use. This series is intended to provide
the target audience with brief, timely information, generated via research and outreach conducted as part of the Northern
Grapes Project, as well as material derived from other sources. Five issues were published during Year 3, and were distributed
electronically through project extension personnel and the Advisory Council and is archived on the project website.
Chrislyn Particka, Cornell University, editor
Particka, C. 2014. Assessing Bud Injury and Adjusting Pruning. Northern
Grapes News You Can Use April: 1-2.
Particka, C. 2014. Grape Disease Management. Northern Grapes News You
Can Use May: 1-2.
Martinson, T. 2014. Managing Winter-Injured Vines. Northern Grapes
News You Can Use June: 1-4.
Particka, C. 2014. Vineyard Floor Management. Northern Grapes News You
Can Use July: 1.
Particka, C. 2014. Grape Berry Ripening. Northern Grapes News You Can
Use August: 1-2.
Web Presence
The Northern Grapes Project Website and Facebook page were further developed and
maintained in Year 3. The website logged over 7,200 visits this year, with 14,990 page
views by 4,700 users, and an average visit time of almost three and a half minutes.
The project website contains general information about the project, as well as archived webinars and newslettters, and data-driven reports developed by team members. The Facebook page primarily serves as a way to advertise project achievements,
upcoming webinars, and publication of newsletters.
Chrislyn Particka, Cornell University, webmaster
Other Presentations
Members of the Northern Grapes Project gave several presentations througout the year. Many were given at the Minnesota
Grape Growers Association Cold Climate Conference as well as at annual meetings of professional organizations.
Bavougian, C. and P. Read. June 2014. Evaluating crushed glass mulch, dried distillers grain, and groundcovers for sustainable vineyard floor management. American Soc. Enology and Viticulture 65th Annual Conference, Austin TX.
Berkett, L., T. Bradshaw, and S. Kingsley-Richards. 15 October 2013. Cold Climate Wine Grape Cultivars: A New Crop
in the Northeast and Upper Midwest Regions of the USA. Book of Abstracts of the IOBC-WPRS Working Group Meeting
on “Integrated Protection and Production in Viticulture.” Ascona, Switzerland.
Berkett, L., T. Bradshaw, and S. Kingsley-Richards. 15 October 2013. Disease evaluation of selected cold climate wine
grape cultivars in Vermont, USA. Book of Abstracts of the IOBC-WPRS Working Group Meeting on “Integrated Protection and Production in Viticulture.” Ascona, Switzerland
Bradshaw, T.L. 19 December 2013. Jack Frost Nipping at Your Nodes: Grapevine Cold Hardiness and Strategies to Handle
Winter Cold. 2013 New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference. Manchester, NH.
Burrows, R. 2013. Getting Started: Vineyard Basics. Local Foods Conference, Rapid City, SD.
Cook, K., C. Changbin, J. Luby, A. Fennell, A.Deuja, and Y. Yeo. June 2014. ‘Frontenac’ and ‘Frontenac Gris’: Coldhardy grapes with novel anthocyanin accumulation patterns. Annual Conference of the American Society for Enology
and Viticulture. Austin, TX
Dharmadhikari, M. 7 March 2014. Enological Tannin Additions and the Effect
on Structure and Mouthfeel of Marquette and Frontenac Red Wines. Iowa
Wine Growers Association Annual Conference. West Des Moines, IA.
Dharmadhikari, M. 7 March 2014. General Northern Grapes Project Updates.
Iowa Wine Growers Association Annual Conference. West Des Moines, IA.
Fennell, A. 15 November, 2013. Northern Grapes Research: Fruit ripening parameters and sensory analysis. Local Foods Conference Rapid City, SD
Ferrandino, F. and J. Bravo. 6 August 2014. Barn Display: Cold weather cultivar
trials in CT. Plant Science Day, Lockwood Farm, Hamden CT.
Groves, S. 7 March 2014. Effects of the Food Safety Modernization Act on Wineries. Iowa Wine Growers Association Annual Conference. West Des Moines,
IA.
Hatterman-Valenti, H. 5 November 2013. ND state report. NE-1020 annual
photo: Terence Bradshaw
meeting, Nebraska City, NE.
Tim Martinson (left) and Sarah KingsleyHatterman-Valenti, H. 1 February 1 2014. Grape growing for the novice. North
Richards (right) talk with participants at the
University of Vermont field day about vineyard
Dakota Grape & Wine Association Annual Meeting, Bismarck, ND.
management.
Hatterman-Valenti, H., J. Stenger, and C. Auwarter. 21 August 2014. Evaluation of cold-hardy grape cultivars for North Dakota and the NDSU germplasm
enhancement project. International Horticulture Congress, Brisbane, Australia.
Hemstad, P. June 2014. From Elmer Swenson to Chardonel. Annual Conference of the American Society for Enology and
Viticulture. Austin, TX.
Loseke, B., P. Read and I. Qrunfleh. June 2014. Delay of budbreak on Edelweiss grapevines with multiple applications of
Amigo Oil and Naphthaleneacetic acid. Poster P41, American Soc. Enology and Viticulture 65th Annual Conference,
Austin, TX.
Luby, J., P. Hemstad, K. Cook, N. Smith, S. Teh, L. Haggerty, and A. Hegeman. August 2014. Breeding and Performance
of Vitis riparia-Based Cold Climate Winegrape Cultivars at the University of Minnesota. International Horticulture Congress 2014. Brisbane, Australia.
Martinson, T. 11 June 2014. Northern Grapes Project. Montana Vineyard Workshop. Kalispell, MT.
Martinson, T. 12 June 2014. Climate and Site. Montana Vineyard Workshop. Kalispell, MT.
Martinson, T. 12 June 2014. Keys to a profitable vineyard. Montana Vineyard Workshop. Kalispell, MT.
Martinson, T. 13 June 2014. Training system trials. Montana Vineyard Workshop. Kalispell, MT.
Martinson, T. 14 June 2014. Field tours with guided discussion. Montana Vineyard Workshop.
Martinson, T., J. Luby, A. K. Mansfield, W. Gartner, M. Dharmadhikari, and P. Domoto. August 21, 2014. The Northern
Grapes Project: Integrating Viticulture, Enology, and Marketing of New Cold-Hardy Wine Grape Cultivars in the Midwest
and Northeastern US. International Horticulture Congress, Brisbane, Australia.
McCole, D. T. June 2014. Understanding wine tourists in emerging wine regions: A study of tasting room visitors in the U.S.
state of Michigan. International Symposium on Society and Resource Management. Hannover, Germany.
McManus, P. 20 January 2014. CuSing at Grape Diseases. Wisconsin Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Growers Conference. Wisconsin Dells, WI.
McManus, P. 22 July 2014. Northwest Wisconsin Vineyard Walk. UW-Extension event, Hudson, WI.
Nonnecke, G. 11 Aug. 2014. NGP Update. ISU Fruit and Vegetable Field Day. Iowa State University Hort Station, Ames, IA.
Nonnecke, G. 31 Aug. 2014. NGP Update. Mississippi Valley Grape Grower Association. Tabor Vineyard and Winery,
Baldwin, IA.
Olson, B., H. Hatterman-Valenti, and C. Auwarter. 28 July 2014. Frontenac response to training system and leaf removal
treatments. American Society of Horticultural Science, Orlando, FL.
Read, P. August 2014. Grape and wine production in diverse regions. Keynote presentation in Symposium 10, Grape and
Wine Production in Diverse Regions. International Horticulture Congress 2014. Brisbane, Australia.
Read, P. and S. Gamet. August 2014. Sixteen years of cold-climate cultivar evaluation. Oral presentation in Symposium 10,
International Horticulture Congress 2014. Brisbane, Australia.
Read, P. and S. Gamet. August 2014. Challenges from off-target herbicide incidents. Digital Poster presentation in Symposium 10, International Horticulture Congress 2014. Brisbane, Australia.
Rosen, C. 20 January 2014. Soil Fertility and Vine Nutrition Research Results from the Northern Grapes Project. Wisconsin
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Conference. Wisconsin Dells, WI.
Rosen, C. 20 January 2014. Our Soils, Our Grapes: An Introduction to Terroir. Wisconsin Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Conference. Wisconsin Dells, WI.
Rosen, C. 22 January 2014. Soil Fertility for Wine Grapes. Michigan Wine Grape Vineyard Establishment Conference. Webinar hosted by Michigan State University.
Sideman, B., G. Hamilton, A. Eaton, & T. Bradshaw. 23 July 2014. Vineyard walk and twilight meeting. Barnett Hill Vineyard, Walpole, NH.
Stenger, J., H. Hatterman-Valenti, and T. Plocher. 1 February 2014. Update on the NDSU grape germplasm enhancement
project. North Dakota Grape & Wine Association Annual Meeting, Bismarck, ND.
Yao Y., A. Deuja, V. Khadka, A. Fennell. July 28-Aug2, 2014. Comparative transcriptome analyses of berry ripening in two
cold tolerant grape cultivars. IITH Intl Conference on Grapevine Breeding and Genetics, Beijing, China.
Other Publications
Members of the Northern Grapes Project published stand-alone extension publications as well as articles in referred journals,
and trade magazines, and e-publications on various websites.
Bavougian, C. 2014. Evaluating Crushed Glass Mulch, Dried Distillers Grains and
Ground Covers for Sustainable Vineyard Floor Management. PhD Dissertaion, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE.
Domoto, P., G. Nonnecke, L. Riesselman, and P. Tabor. 2013. NE-1020 Cold hardy
wine grape cultivar trial. Iowa State Univ. Research and Demonstration Farm Research Reports, Ames, IA. ISRF13-36: 47-49.
Emling J. 2014. Impact of trellis systems and crop load on fruit and wine quality of the
super-hardy cultivar Marquette. Michigan State University. Proquest.
Loseke, B. 2014. Delay of Budbreak on Edelweiss Grapevines with Multiple Applications of Amigo Oil and Naphthaleneacetic Acid. M.S. Thesis, University of Nebraska,
Lincoln, NE.
Martinson, T. and C. Particka. 2014. Marquette and Frontenac Plots Harvested at
Clayton. Veraison to Harvest. 8: 3.
Martinson, T. and C. Particka. 2014. More on Marquette: Shaded versus Exposed
Clusters on the Same Vine. Veraison to Harvest. 9: 7.
Particka, C. and T. Martinson. 2014. Fruit Samples for the Northern Grapes Project.
Veraison to Harvest. 1: 7.
Particka, C. and T. Martinson. 2014. Marquette and Frontenac Fruit Composition at
Clayton. Veraison to Harvest. 3: 9.
Particka, C. and T. Martinson. 2014. Marquette and Frontenac Fruit Composition at Clayton. Veraison to Harvest. 4: 8.
Popp, L., and D. McCole. 2014. Understanding tourists’ itineraries in emerging rural tourism regions: The application of
paper-based itinerary mapping methodology to a wine tourism region in Michigan. Current Issues in Tourism. DOI:
10.1080/13683500.2014.942259
Roe, M., J. Cohen, and A. Hegeman. 2014. Regioselective solvent-phase deuteration of polyphenolic compounds informs
their identification by mass spectrometry. Anal Biochem, 452:76-85.
Roe M., J. Cohen, and A. Hegeman. 2014. Targeted deuteration of polyphenolics for their qualitative and quantitative metabolomic analysis in plant-derived extracts. Methods Mol Biol, 1083:17-29. doi: 10.1007/978-1-62703-661-0_2.
Rolfes, Dylan P. 2014. The effects of canopy management practices on fruit quality of northern-hardy interspecific hybrids
of Vitis spp. Iowa State University. 63 pp.
Shapiro, M. and M. Gómez. 2014. Customer satisfaction and sales performance in wine tasting rooms. International Journal
of Wine Business Research. 26: 45 – 60.
Tabor, P. and P. Domoto. 2013. Evaluation of wines from the cold hardy wine grape cultivar trial. Iowa State Univ. Research
and Demonstration Farm Research Reports, Ames, IA. ISRF13-36: 50-52.
Tuck, B.A., and W.C. Gartner. 2014. Vineyards and Wineries in Illinois: A Status and Economic Contribution Report.
Tuck, B.A., and Gartner, W.C. 2014. Vineyards and Wineries in Wisconsin: A Status and Economic Contribution Report.
Tuck, B.A., and Gartner, W.C. 2014. Vineyards and Wineries in North and South Dakota: A Status and Economic Contribution Report.
Tuck, B.A. and Gartner, W.C. 2014. Vineyards and Wineries in New England: A Status and Economic Contribution Report.
Tuck, B.A. and Gartner, W.C. 2014. Vineyards and Wineries in Iowa: A Status and Economic Contribution Report.
Tuck, B.A. and Gartner, W.C. 2014. Economic Contribution: Vineyards and Wineries of the North.
Tuck, B.A. and Gartner, W.C. 2013. Vineyards and Wineries in New York: A Status and Economic Contribution Report.
Tuck, B.A. and Gartner, W.C. 2013. Vineyards and Wineries in Nebraska: A Status and Economic Contribution Report.
Wallis, A. and L. Pashow. 2014. Brix Measurements at Willsboro. Veraison to Harvest. 1: 7.
Other Newsletters, Blogs, Listserves, and Websites Associated with the Northern Grapes Project
Members of the Northern Grapes Project maintain a variety of web resources that are used to assist in distributing outreach
products created by the project.
Bradshaw, T. (Moderator). VT Grapes listserve. Communications venue for IPM
and horticultural information for commercial grape growers.
Bradshaw, T. and S. Kingsley-Richards. (Contact) The University of Vermont
Grape Website.
Burrows, R. (Moderator). SD Grapes listserve. Communications venue for news
& events, discussions among growers.
Cochran, D. (Contact). Iowa State University Viticulture Home Page. Includes a
link to the Northern Grapes Project website. Under “ISU Research”, a description
of the ISU horticulture department’s research activity in the Northern Grapes
Project with progress reports on the canopy management practices study, and
the NE-1020 cold-hardy grape cultivar study.
Fennell, A. and Burrows, R. (Webmasters). South Dakota Grapes Website. Information for commercial grape growers in South Dakota, including production information, variety descriptions, news and events, and links for further
information.
Ferrandino, F. CT vineyard disease-risk announcements.
Hansen D., J. Van Fossan, J. Luby, and P. Hemstad (Webmasters). University of Minnesota Grape Website. Information on
sources, culture and winemaking from University of Minnesota cold climate grape cultivars.
Hatterman-Valenti, H. (Moderator). ND Grape listserve. Communications venue for news & events, discussions among
growers.
Martinson, T. (Administrator). Northern New York Grape Management Update. Blog that posts timely information for
grape producers in the northernmost portions of New York State and results of Northern Grapes Project studies.
Martinson, T. and A. Wallis. (Admistrators). Corenll Cooperative Extension Cold Hardy Grapes Listserve. Communication venue for grape growers in Northern New York. 189 recipient emails.
Popular Press and Radio
The Northern Grapes Project was featured in several popular press articles, with articles writen by team members as well as
journalists.
Anderson, J. 2014. U of M Touts Economic Impact of “Cold-Hardy” Wine Grapes. Twin Cities Business Magazine. February.
Holecek, D. and D.T. McCole. 2013. Wine tasting room visitors’ behaviors and visit history: A Michigan case study. Grape
and Wine, September 4, pp. 7-8.
Jones McKee, L. 014. Economic Impact of Cold-Climate Grapes Hits $401 Million. Wines & Vines Magazine. February.
Read, P. E. 2014. Announcing the University of Nebraska Viticulture Program Field Days. Radio program provided to the
Nebraska radio network stations (UNL Media Center production).
Sabbatini P. and G.S. Howell. 2014. Vitis Hybrids; History and current status. Wines and Vines, February; pp 74-80.
Northern Grapes Project
Thanks Our Partnering Industry Associations
Connecticut Vineyard and Winery Association
Connecticut Farm Wine Development Council
Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association
Iowa Wine Growers Association
Lake Champlain Wines
Massachusetts Farm Wineries and Growers Association
Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council
Minnesota Farm Winery Association
Minnesota Grape Growers Association
Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association
New Hampshire Winery Association
New York Wine and Grape Foundation
Visit us on-line at
www.northerngrapesproject.org
North Dakota Grape and Wine Association
Northern Illinois Wine Growers
Northern New York Wine Grape Growers Association
Pennsylvania Winery Association
Scenic Rivers Grape and Wine Association
South Dakota Specialty Producers Association
South Dakota Winegrowers Association
Upper Hudson Valley Wine and Grape Association
Vermont Grape and Wine Council
Western Iowa Grape Growers Association
Wisconsin Grape Growers Association
The Northern Grapes Project is funded
by the USDA’s Specialty Crops Research
Initiative Program of the National
Institute for Food and Agriculture,
Project #2011-51181-30850
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