What considerations are important for growing grapes at higher elevations and colder temperatures?
Winter minimum temperatures will be the most limiting factor in variety choice at your site. Vitis vinifera varieties (i.e. Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc.) are the least hardy of the bunch grapes and would be at a higher risk level of cold-injury or death. Most are only hardy down to between -5 and -10 degrees and can suffer a lot of wood damage at temperatures of 0 to -5. Varieties such as Merlot and Syrah, which are gaining in popularity here are more cold-tender. Some varieties are slightly cold-hardier, such as Cabernet franc, which is a better choice in our area than Cabernet Sauvignon (much more grower friendly). This would be a possibility if the site is higher on the hillside with a good slope and plenty of air drainage. Riesling is also a more cold hardy variety. We don’t recommend Riesling as a commercial variety due to its susceptibility to fruit rots in our summer heat and humidity, but in a smaller scale “hobbyist” planting you might want to try some. Your be
