Grapes

Species: Vitis riparia x Vitis labrusca

History: Brianna was bred by renowned grape breeder Elmer Swenson as a cross between Riverbank grape (V. riparia) and Fox grape (V. labrusca) as part of his effort to create high-quality grapes that were cold hardy enough to be grown in the cooler parts of North America. Brianna was first bred in 1983 on Swenson's farm in Wisconsin and released in 2001. It was named by Ed Swanson who was planning on naming it Brian due to its vigour but chose Brianna instead, believing the feminine name was more fitting for white wine.

Why We Grow It: Brianna is a seeded green grape with an excellent complex fruity flavour that has hints of grapefruit and pineapple. The medium-large green fruit is suitable for fresh eating or making wine or juice. This variety boasts good disease resistance, vigorous growth, and begins producing fruit at a young age.

Species: Vitis sp. (hybrid)

History: Montreal Blues is one of the many varieties created by renowned grape breeder Elmer Swenson in Osceola, Wisconsin, as part of his effort to breed cold hardy grapes suitable for growing in the colder climates of North America. This variety was released in 1998 and in some areas is also known as St. Theresa, named for Saint Therese of Lisieux who was a French nun who planted flowers to show her love of God. 

Why We Grow It: This variety produces large clusters of blue, Concord-like grapes with a nice, mild sweet flavour. They are quite cold hardy and can be made into pies, jams, or juice!

Species: Vitis vinifera x V. rupestris x V. ripraria x V. labrusca

History: Osceola Muscat/ES.8-2-43 was bred by renowned grape breeder Elmer Swenson as part of his effort to mix French and North American grapes to create high-quality varieties that grow well in cooler climates. Osceola Muscat is a cross between four different species: Common grape (Vitis vinifera), Vitis rupestris, Riverbank grape (Vitis riparia) and Fox grape (Vitis labrusca). Swenson bred it on his farm near Osceola, Wisconsin and in 2010 the variety was named after the town. The grape's alternate name, Muscat de Swenson, is named after Swenson himself who passed away in 2004.

Why We Grow It: Osceola Muscat produces loose clusters of seeded, intensely aromatic grapes with notes of peach and apricot. The small-medium, thin skinned fruit is suitable for fresh eating or juice and wine. This is one of the hardiest 'muscat' varieties available and is relatively vigorous.

Species: Vitis labrusca x Vitis riparia x Vitis vinifera, and small amounts of other species of different Vitis from North America

History: Bred by Elmer Swenson in Wisconsin, Somerset is one of numerous varieties he created for growing in our cooler North American climates. This cultivar has become increasingly popular in recent years and has good potential for commercial growing. The variety was released in 2002.

Why We Grow It: One of the hardiest, highest quality seedless grape varieties out there, this is an excellent table grape: sweet, spicy, with strong notes of strawberry. The grapes have beautiful pink flushed skin and are most decadent if allowed to sit on a sunny window sill for a week or so after harvest. Although the fruit is on the smaller to medium end of the scale, the vines produce large, heavy clusters that more than compensate for the size of the individual grapes. The grapes have a firm texture with some crunch.