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WineEast to be better, smarter, more patient, creative, flexible and able to cope with heartbreak. T There is a commonly held belief among wine lovers that the more delicate wines demonstrating a terroir effect are grown in cool wine regions such as Germany, Burgundy and Austria. Pinot Noir and Riesling wines are often noted for their amazing capacity to high- light the nuances of site. With new viticulture technology in the form of cold-hardy and disease-resistant hybrid grape varieties, the possibility of growing fine wines has expanded into cool and cold areas that were previ- ously thought to be inaccessible to wine production. Ontario has a phenomenal 12,000 acres of vinifera vineyards. The Minnesota Grape Growers Association annual meeting regularly attracts more than 500 participants. Anywhere there are people who like to Waterloo_Nov10.qxp 8/26/10 11:36 AM Page 1 • • Grape Varieties for Cold Climates Part I of two about short-season viticulture in cool to cold climates By Mark Chien he cooler the climate, the more important vineyard planning, design, viticulture management and wine- making are in making a high-quality wine, when com- pared to warm, arid wine regions. The vigneron just has Wine East HIGHLIGHTS: • Cold-hardy and disease-resistant hybrid grape varieties have expanded fine wines into areas previously inaccessible, yet many growers still want to plant vinifera. The author defines cool and cold areas and discusses which grape varieties—vinifera and otherwise—may be most suitable for them. Many growers in cool and cold climates are realistic about their expectations, understand their consumer base and are willing to blend in riper wines for more appeal. drink wine, there are folks who want to grow it, whether it really makes sense or not. Extension educators like me try to have answers for their growers. During a recent trip to the Endless Mountains in northeast Pennsyl- Grapegrowing 50 Wines & Vines AUGUsT 201 1