Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/643683
March 2016 WINES&VINES 63 WINE EAST GRAPEGROWING age can survive winter lows of -30° F." In general, Martinson notes that cold-hardy Minnesota hybrids can withstand lower tem- peratures than Labrusca types, and Labrusca vines are more hardy than conventional French-American hybrids, which in turn are more resistant to low temperatures than V. vinifera cultivars. He continues, "Cultivars also vary in the rate at which they acclimate and de-accli- mate. Cold-hardy cultivars (e.g., Concord) may acclimate and de-acclimate faster than less cold-hardy cultivars (e.g., Cabernet Sauvignon), which occasionally can result in freeze injury in the springtime even in hardier cultivars. "Vine stress associated with delayed har- vest, drought stress, disease pressure or over- cropping can reduce the vine's ability to attain its maximum potential cold hardiness. Years in which frost is early or fruit maturity is delayed may also delay cold acclimation and reduce bud hardiness. "Genetics determines a vine's maximum cold-hardiness, but environmental conditions will influence how much of the genetic poten- tial is realized in a given year. Growers can't influence weather conditions, but they can understand the risks, evaluate potential bud injury and manage vines to limit or respond to bud injury in the following ways: Cultivar selection: Match grape variety with your climate. With new cold-hardy varieties, cultivars are available that will survive even extreme winter low tempera- tures. If you choose more cold-sensitive varieties, be aware of the higher risk of win- ter injury in your climate—and be prepared to compensate for it. Site selection: Plant your vineyard in a location that will have good air and soil drain- age. Cold air moves downhill, so avoid low Snow drifts cover the graft union of these dormant vines during the 2014-15 winter in the Finger Lakes, N.Y.