Grape Growing in Vermont
One doesn’t normally associate vineyards and grape growing with Vermont, but Chris Granstrom, owner of Lincoln Peak Vineyard in Middlebury, Vermont is changing that. Starting out as an apple and then strawberry grower, Granstrom turned to grape growing about five years ago, inspired by an Internet chat group. He learned that no one in Vermont had tried growing wine grapes yet, so with few grape plants sent by a generous Minnesotan, Granstrom started what is now 12 acres of grapes. Originally, Granstrom and his wife Michaela were only in the nursery business, selling about 21,000 vines last year to customers all over the country. When they were just breaking even selling and growing grapes, they decided to start making wine, since they had the vineyard anyway. They now produce several varities of red, white and ice wines, all of which have received praise from members of the “local pour” movement.
To read more about Lincoln Peak Vineyard and growing wine grapes in Vermont, read the full, cover story in the Spring 2009 issue of the Middlebury College Magazine.
You can also visit the Vineyard’s website to learn more about buying wine and grapes, or to get information about tours and tastings.
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September 29th, 2009 at 3:06 pm
[...] Fall is a wonderful time to visit Vermont’s wineries. Grapes are harvested in September and October, which also happens to be when Vermont’s landscape is exploding with vibrant, warm color. Many may not think of Vermont when they think of vineyards, but thanks to an active grape breeding program at the University of Minnesota, there are several varieties of grape that can withstand the long cold winters. There is no need to travel to enjoy vineyard tours and tastings when there are so many right in Vermont! The Vermont Grape & Wine Council has a very informative website dedicated to teaching people about the different types of wine grapes that grow well in Vermont. Grape-growing and wine-making is fairly new to Vermont; to read about on of the first vineyards, check out our past blog on the Lincoln Peak Vineyard. [...]
March 14th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
I am looking to see if i can grow grapes to eat here in johnson vermont. Trying to find out what grape plant would be the best to grow.
March 16th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Hi there,
I don’t grow grapes myself, so my best advice would be to visit a local nursery, or to check out some seed catalogs. I know it’s possible to grow eating grapes in this climate, just can’t help with specifics. Here is a link to Northeastern Vine Supply (where you can order cuttings) and Double A Vineyards (where they have advice on growing, and cuttings to order).
Best of luck!