Consider Hybrids for your Backyard Vineyard

One of the great joys of wine making is opening a bottle of your own creation and enjoying it with family and friends. Being personally involved in the long process of fermenting, racking, balancing, bottling and patiently aging makes that final act a very satisfying experience. There is, perhaps, one more step that can make the process even more enjoyable; harvesting the grapes from your own backyard vineyard. 

 

Unfortunately, many amateur winemakers live in parts of the country that are not conducive to growing many of our favorite varietals. Growing grapevines and producing wines from local grapes presents many unique obstacles, especially for those living in the cool northern sections of the United States. However, there is one possible solution to consider which may improve the chances of a successful vineyard; French-American hybrids.  

 

The overwhelming majority of wine consumed world-wide is made from Vitis vinifera grapes. These include popular varieties such as cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, chardonnay and sauvignon blanc. A French-American hybrid (or often referred to simply as a hybrid), is the result of botanists crossing a vinifera species with a species native to North America (known as Vitis labrusca). 

 

As with any hybrid, its purpose is to take advantage of the positive characteristics of each species.  A mule has the ability to carry heavy burdens and the endurance of a donkey but also has the greater size and speed of a horse. Likewise, a hybrid grape attempts to acquire the exceptional taste of the vinifera along with the ability to withstand diseases and colder temperatures that are inherent to a labrusca. 

 

Many of today’s hybrids were created by botanists in France and the US. Vidal, a white hybrid, is named for its developer, Jean Louis Vidal; de Chaunac, a red hybrid, is named in honor of Adhemar DeChaunac.  Cayuga, a white hybrid, was developed at Cornell University and shares its name with one of the Finger Lakes in New York State.

 

Hybrid varieties are especially beneficial in combating the cool climate, grape diseases and the limited choice of vineyard location, all common problems faced by the amateur grower.

 

Planting hybrids does not guarantee a future of bountiful crops. It does, however, give the winegrower with less than ideal conditions a greater chance for success. Most hybrids were produced to survive in cooler climates. Hardiness zones 4, 5 and 6 (4 being the coldest) which covers most of the northern states are all suitable for a wide variety of hybrids.  Many of the labrusca vines that are the native grape used in crossing with the vinifera are native to the American Northeast and therefore adapted to cool, wet climates.

 

Many wine growers in cooler climates do produce some excellent vinifera wines. However, for someone wanting to plant a few vines on their own property, the location for the vines is not always suited to growing a quality vinifera. 

 

There are numerous considerations when selecting a site for a vineyard. South facing slopes provide even sunlight to the grapes and allow for improved airflow and drainage. In wet and cool areas, this helps to lessen frost damage and disease.  

 

Nearby large bodies of water are perfect for moderating temperature extremes. The Finger Lake region in New York State is a perfect example. In winter, if the body of water rarely freezes, the warmer water can help keep the vines from freezing. In early spring, the water is often cooler than the air and can delay bud formation and protect the vines from late frosts. In fall, the warmer water can extend the growing season.

 

Vineyards established in a protected valley are also ideal for more northern vineyards. The Willamette Valley in Oregon, famous for its pinot noirs, has, surprisingly, a moderate climate. In addition to its fertile soil, the valley is surrounded by two mountain ranges and enjoys mild and sunny summer days with low humidity. 

 

Unfortunately, most potential amateur wine growers are not blessed with these conditions. Selecting a site in a valley or near a large body of water is not realistic. Most simply want to plant some vines on their existing property.  The slope of the land, shade from nearby trees, and a frost prone location are just a few of the hurdles that the backyard vintner faces and may be a good reason to try hybrids. 

 

Late spring frosts are always a concern for wine growers in cooler climates as a severe frost can drastically reduce your crop. A unique characteristic of many hybrid varieties is their ability to produce secondary buds that will bear fruit. This can be a huge advantage if a late frost damages the primary bud. The secondary buds are not as fruitful as the original but they may still allow for a limited grape harvest.

 

Perhaps the most significant advantage of hybrids are their resistance to disease. Phylloxera is an insect native to North America that can cause extensive damage to vines. Vinifera varieties are highly susceptible to phylloxera. Most new vines, including viniferas, are grafted with a rootstock that is resistant to this pest. Unlike hybridization which involves cross-pollination resulting in an entirely new variety, grafting simply attaches a vine to the root of another vine.  Hybris are much more resistant to phylloxera. Many hybrids are also grafted to a rootstock but its natural resistance to this pest greatly improves the odds of any future damage from phylloxera.

 

Fungal diseases are major cause of concern for many trying to start a vineyard. Wet summers with high humidity, common in the Northeast, promote certain fungi from forming and attacking the vines. Downy mildew, powdery mildew, black rot, botrytis and phombosis, all fungi native to North America, are common fungal diseases that must be dealt with. Vinifera grapes are especially susceptible. Though hybrid vines are not immune to these fungi, they are much more likely to survive these diseases. Application of fungicides to treat specific fungi throughout the season is still probably a good idea but the chances of success with hybrids is more likely.

 

Producing wine from grapes grown in your own vineyard can be a satisfying and rewarding year round hobby. Being personally responsible for the pruning of the vines , maintaining them throughout the growing season, watching buds form and grow and eventually produce tiny berries, seeing them undergo veraison,  and finally deciding on when to harvest add an exciting new facet to the wine making process. Don’t be deterred by the limitations of your backyard and its less than ideal climate and topography. Give the French-American hybrids a try and experience the joy of opening a bottle of your own “Estate Wine”!