Both states have great small wineries that are just trying to continue to put out fantastic wines made from locally grown grapes and fruit AND sell them to the folks that like them.  Each state has a different way of tackling this issue.  Check our more at http://midwestwinepress.com/2012/01/15/mn-wi-wine-distribution-differences-wider-than-the-mississippi/

Check this out if you are interested in learning more about grape growing.  The folks over in Lake City do a fantastic job.

If you have been considering coming to our 15th Annual Grape Growing 101: Learn to Grow Grapes Seminar there is still room available.  You can pay at the door.  However, you need to call ahead so that we have hand-outs and our chef has food for you.  Please call us toll-free at 877-345-3531 to make a reservation.  The noon buffet has been set featuring locally raised ham roast, Minnesota Wild Rice Pilaf, Cidered apples and squash (a specialty) and local raspberry oatmeal bars (quite delicious).  I am looking forward to it already and looking forward to seeing you here.
Please call us toll-free so we can make arrangements.
Thanks,
John
Great River Vineyard/Nursery
35680 Hwy. 61 Blvd.
Lake City, MN 55041
Toll free: (877)345-3531
www.greatrivervineyard.com
grv@mchsi.com

Fieldstone Vineyards is excited to have just booked live music at the winery for the Saturday before Valentine's Day. Come and enjoy some love songs on the piano from Nancy Eischen from 7-9p on Saturday 2/11.  This will be a great way for you guys (you know which ones you are) to take you special gal out for a romantic night.  No reservations needed - just show up and enjoy!

Yes, we finally have this bottled.  For those of you who haven't had Marquette wine here is a little more about the grape and wine from the University of Minnesota.  Past vintages from Fieldstone Vineyards have sold out.

Marquette is a promising new red wine variety that combines high levels of cold hardiness and disease resistance with excellent wine quality.

Origin. Marquette originated from a cross made in 1989 between MN 1094 and the French Hybrid cultivar Ravat 262. MN 1094 was derived from a complex parentage including V. riparia, V. vinifera, and lesser amounts of several other Vitis species. Ravat 262 likewise has a complex background, but has the renowned variety Pinot noir as one parent. Marquette was selected in 1994 and tested as MN 1211.

Plant traits. Viticulturally, Marquette has proven to be an outstanding vine. In terms of cold hardiness, it has been consistently hardy in well managed vineyards on good sites in USDA zone 4. Resistance to common grape diseases (downy mildew, powdery mildew and black rot), has been very good and the vine requires only a minimal spray program under Minnesota conditions. Resistance to infestation by foliar phylloxera has been moderate. The open and orderly growth habit of Marquette is considered highly desirable for efficient vineyard management and fruit exposure to the sun conducive to maximizing wine quality. Shoots typically have two small to medium clusters per shoot, thus avoiding the need for cluster thinning. Bud break is somewhat early, slightly before Frontenac. Marquette ripens in early mid-season (Sept. 19 in east central Minnesota), a few days before the standard cultivar Frontenac. Marquette yields have been moderate, averaging 4.78 Kg/ vine or 3.42 tons/acre.

Fruit traits. The clusters of Marquette are small to medium in size, averaging 89 g/cluster and 10.6 cm (4.2 in) in length. Berries are small to medium averaging 1.1 g/ berry and 12 mm (0.5 in) in diameter. Sugar levels have been high, averaging 25.9° brix. Acid levels have also been higher than most cultivars (12.0 g/l) although substantially lower than that of Frontenac (15.1 g/l). This level of titratable acidity has been found to be quite manageable by experienced winemakers. Marquette's average juice pH value has been 3.00.

Adaptation. Marquette appears to have considerable promise not only in the Upper Midwest, but also in Eastern grape growing regions such as Michigan, New York, New England, and Quebec.

 

Just a reminder that winter hours are in effect at the winery which means Thursday 4-8, Friday 4-8 and Saturdays 1-8.  We also are pouring wine at Rogers Wine and Spirits this Friday from 3-6 in Rogers, MN.  Hope to see you there!