Growing Wine Grapes in Upstate New York

We grow hybrid grapes – sometimes called northern grapes - in our vineyard in upstate New York, and we think they are special.

Growing our hybrid grapes – a cross between French and American cultivars – is environmentally sustainable. The American parentage of our hybrids makes them cold hardy and disease resistant because they evolved here in North America. This resilience allows us to grow wine grapes that can survive our harsh winters, while also reducing the need for chemical interventions.

The varieties we grow – petite pearl (developed in 2010), marquette (2006), la crescent (2003), frontenac (1996), melody (1985), lacrosse (1983), and maréchal foch (1946) – thrive here. We have sufficient rainfall, so irrigation is unnecessary. Our well-drained soils and sunny hilltop site along with the length of the growing season is favorable to growing exceptional grapes. Our grapevines survive winter temperatures as low as -30 to -35F, with only our melody grapes rated to -15F. Thanks to research scientists experimentally crossing European grapes (Vitis vinifera) with grapes native to eastern North America (Vitis labrusca) and (Vitis riperia) over the last century, we can now grow exceptional wine grapes in the Upper Hudson region.

Just as important, hybrid grapes yield excellent wines. Of course, the skill of the winemaker plays a huge role, but world class wines can be made from hybrid grapes. At Victory View Vineyard, we use our estate-grown grapes to craft delicious, distinctive wines. Our winemaker, Gerry, is focused on the hybrid grapes we grow. He believes producing great wines starts in the vineyard by growing exceptional fruit, monitoring the sugar and acid levels, and harvesting at peak ripeness. So, with exceptional grapes and experimentation in the winery with yeast strains and oak barrels, Gerry has created award-winning wines made from the grapes we grow right here in Easton, NY.

With increasing challenges in modern agriculture – such as wildfires, water scarcity, winter temperature swings, and heat stress – hybrids grape varieties, along with continued research, may prove invaluable for the future. Now, more than ever, is the time to support scientific research in agriculture, as hybrid grapes and innovation will be essential in adapting to a changing climate.