I live in Fruitvale (15k east of Trail). I've been wanting to try and make a few gallons of red wine from grapes I could grow in my backyard. I have been reading about some very hardy species, such as Frontenac that can survive Winipeg winters. I am wondering what some of you might recommend I try that is more representtive of BC vine wines. ps. There is a relatively new winery in Trail along the Columbia River. They grow mostly Mirachel Foch. I am a couple hundred feet higher than they are and about 6 miles away.
I've always thought that the easiest reasearch is that which has already been done by somebody else. Your "neighbor" with Marechal Foch as a commercial venture will hopefully have done his or her due diligence before selecting this variety. You should compare your site carefully, elevation is only one factor. Hours of sunshine and frost "pooling" can be a problem in valley bottoms, along with slope orientationand other micro climate effects. They will also have considered market issues which need not bother you. It's a popular choice, but it still requires wine making techniques that take it's american parentage into account. Ralph
Thank you Ralph. Would you know where I might be able to purchase a few dozen potted MF vines? thanks again...Grampakoot.
