History: Brianna (Vitis riparia x Vitis labrusca) 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.
Canadian Hardiness Zone: 4b
Soil Preference: Loam is best, but is tolerant of different soils as long as they are well-drained.
Growth Habits and Disease Resistance: Vine, reaches 6-8ft long, vigorous, bears uniformly and at a young age. Generally disease resistant.
Sun/Shade: Full sun (approx. 8-10 hours of sun daily)
Pollination: Self-pollinating, this variety will produce fruit without a different grape variety but will produce more and better fruit if one is present.
Ripens: Mid September
Storage: Keeps up to two weeks when stored in the fridge
Recommended Use: Fresh eating, juice, white wine
Size including roots: 30-50cm (1 year vine)