Cold Hardy Wine and Table Grapes
Grape Research Overview
Introduction
Montana’s wine industry is expanding, and the Western Agricultural Research Center (WARC) at Montana State University is leading efforts to support this growth through science-based viticulture research. Our work centers on cold-hardy grape varieties that are well-suited to Montana’s climate, helping growers improve fruit quality, vineyard productivity, and wine flavor.
In collaboration with the Montana Wine and Grape Association, WARC researchers study key vineyard management practices—including pruning, canopy vigor control, vine nutrition, and irrigation—to understand their effects on grape chemistry, particularly sugar and acid levels. Beyond the vineyard, our team is also exploring postharvest handling techniques to extend shelf life and conducting fermentation research to optimize winemaking outcomes.
Research importance
MSU WARC is conducting research in cold-hardy grapes that are adapted to favorable sites in Montana to support the growing vineyard and winery industry in the state. There are currently 53 vineyards planted in Montana, with over 25,000 vines. WARC, in partnership with the Montana Wine and Grape Association, is studying pruning, control of canopy vigor, vine nutrition and irrigation practices in vineyards throughout the state, to help growers determine how these practices affect fruit chemistries (sugars and acids) for the optimal fruit quality and wine flavor.
Hybrid grape background
Montana’s climate presents unique challenges for grape cultivation, particularly the extreme cold temperatures and short growing season. To meet these challenges, growers rely on French-American hybrid grapevines, which are bred specifically for cold hardiness and disease resistance. These hybrids are created by crossing traditional French wine grapes (Vitis vinifera), which are only hardy to around -5°F, with native American species such as Vitis riparia (riverbank grape), Vitis aestivalis (summer grape), and Vitis rupestris (sand grape).
These hybrids offer several advantages:
- Cold tolerance suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4–6
- Resistance to common vineyard pests and diseases like downy mildew, powdery mildew, nematodes, and phylloxera
- Wine quality potential, especially when grown in regions with sufficient heat accumulation during the growing season
Active breeding programs at institutions like Cornell University, the University of Minnesota, and North Dakota State University continue to develop new cultivars with improved traits, expanding the possibilities for viticulture in cold climates.
Site selection
While hybrid grapevines are genetically equipped to handle cold, site selection remains critical to ensure successful ripening and high-quality fruit. These grapes require approximately 2,000 growing degree days (base 50°F) during the season to reach full maturity. In Montana, the most favorable regions for grape cultivation include:
- The Yellowstone River Valley
- The Clark Fork of the Yellowstone
- Warmer microclimates west of the Continental Divide
These areas offer the heat accumulation and winter protection necessary for optimal vine performance. Choosing the right site can make the difference between a productive vineyard and one that struggles to ripen fruit or survive harsh winters.
