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Choosing Grape Varieties for Cold Climates

 

When selecting grape varieties for your garden or vineyard, it is essential to consider your local Plant Hardiness Zone. In the Temiskaming Shores area, which is classified as zone 3b, growers need semi-hardy grape varieties that can withstand cold winter temperatures. Drawing on local experience, Alex Mageau recommends four varieties that have performed well in this region: Valiant, Fredonia, Niagara, and Beta.

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Valiant

  • Hardiness: The most cold-hardy of all table grapes; ideal for zone 3b

  • Fruit: Dark purple or black, few seeds

  • Flavor: Sweet, similar to Concord grapes

  • Pollination: Self-fertilizing hybrid (does not require another plant for pollination)

  • Best Uses: Fresh eating, juice, jams and jellies

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Fredonia

  • Hardiness:  Suitable for cold climates 

  • Fruit: Large clusters of seedless grapes; deep blue to black when ripe

  • Flavor: Sweet with a spicy, Tangy flovor; similar to Concord grapes

  • Pollination: Self-fertilizing

  • Best Uses: Fresh eating and juice

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Niagara

  • Hardiness: Adaptable to different climate areas; leading variety grown in North America

  • Fruit: Large clusters of large green seedless grapes; have a golden hue when ripe

  • Flavor: Sweet and light-tasting

  • Pollination: Self-fertilizing hybrid 

  • Best Uses: Fresh eating, wine, juice, jams and jellies; main source of white grape juice

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Beta

  • Hardiness: Very hardy; does not require “laying down” in the Fall (a practice where vines are covered for winter protection)

  • Fruit: Clumps of small, seeded dark blue grapes

  • Flavor: Very sweet; good for fresh eating

  • Pollination: Self-fertilizing 

  • Best Uses: Fresh eating, juice and jellies

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