Finding the ideal grape variety for Northern Michigan

Cari Noga writes in her column the November Traverse City Business News about two new research projects underway, led by the new head of viticulture at Michigan State University, Paolo Sabbatini. The goal is to identify grape varieties best suited to Michigan's cool climate and short growing season; and to map potential places to plant them.

Next spring, Sabbatini will plant a one-acre trial plot at the Northwest Horticultural Research Station in Leelanau County, as well as another in southwest Michigan, Noga reports. It will contain 52 varieties, split about evenly between red and white. In addition, a cross-disciplinary team from MSU will create a map using weather data, soil conditions and proposed grape varieties to help identify potential places to plant.

Filed under Wineries