Grape Breeding and Enology | Grape Breeding and Enology

Welcome to the Grape Breeding and Enology project website

Located at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, we conduct research in the Department of Horticultural Science and at the Horticultural Research Center. Our focus is on grapevine cultivar development which includes: wine grapes, table grape varieties, and ornamentals that survive and thrive in cold-climate conditions. We also work on understanding the mechanisms of disease and pest resistance so that we can incorporate these traits as a way to improve sustainability for Minnesota growers. In addition to breeding grapes, we develop and teach enology best practices for cold-hardy grapes.

Ask for Clarion!

By Kate Fessler, Drew Horton, John Thull, and Matt Clark

We have developed a short guide for our most recent UMN release, 'Clarion'! This high quality white wine cultivar is hardy to USDA Zone 5. Click on the preview below to open the PDF, or at the following link: Link to Clarion fact sheet.

Image of the first page of the Clarion fact sheet

News

Meet the new Grape Breeding team December 4 from 3-6pm at the HRC!

November 1, 2023

The new program leader and Extension Specialist, Dr. Soon Li Teh, and grape Extension Educator, Madeline Wimmer will be at the HRC from 3-6pm on December 4th, 2023. This informal meet-and-greet event is a great time for grape growers, winemakers, and homeowners to chat with the team about what they'd like to see from future UMN research. Snacks and beverages will be provided!

Welcome to Assistant Professor Soon Li Teh

October 31, 2023

Dr. Soon Li Teh, who received his PhD from UMN in 2018, has returned to Minnesota to serve as our newest Assistant Professor of Grape Breeding and Enology. In his new role he will continue the important work of developing high quality, cold-hardy grape cultivars for the wine and table grape industries.