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GRAPE VARIETIES FOR COLD AREAS OF COLORADO

Insufficient variety test data prevents specific recommendations relative to exact location and hardiness. However, the following varieties should be considered as general recommendations for many parts of Western Colorado..

Discussion

Vitis labrusca varieties are hardier than V. vinifera varieties, while the French hybrids (V. vinifera hybrids) are somewhere in between. In the case of V. vinifera, winter freezes may kill the wood or the buds on the canes.

Vinifera types should be planted only in areas where 170 frost-free days are the rule. As an average, American grape varieties will mature in about 160 frost-free days provided summer heat is adequate.

Varieties (1)
Wine Grapes Fruit Color Additional Comments
Vitis vinifera
White Riesling White
Chardonnay White
Sauvignon Blanc White
Merlot Red
Vitis vinifera hybrids
Seyval Blanc (Seyve-Villard 5276) White Possible in Cool Areas
Vidal Blanc White
Chancellor Red
DeChaunac Red Possible in Cool Areas
Chambourcin Red
Aurora White Possible in Cool Areas
Baco Red
Table Grapes Fruit Color Fruit Size Seedless Other Uses
Vitis vinifera
Perlette

White

 Medium

Yes

 R, P, J
Black Monukka (Monukka)

Red

Medium

Mostly

Flame Seedless

Red

 Large

Yes

 R, P, J
Vitis vinifera hybrids
Himrod

White

Large

Mostly

 R, P, J
Lakemont

White

Medium

Mostly

Suffolk Red

Red

 Medium

Mostly

 R, P, J
Glenora

Blue

Medium

Mostly

R, P, J
Canadice

Red

Medium

Mostly

R, P, J
Vitis labrusca
Niagara (White Concord) (4)

White

 Large

No

 P, J
Concord

Blue-Black

 Medium

No

P, J
Golden Muscat

Golden

 Large

No

 P, J

Notes:

  • (1) varieties recommended by Colorado State University, Orchard Mesa Research Center staff.
  • (2) for cooler regions in the Tri River area all listed table grape varieties except Lakemont are recommended.
  • (3) other uses include:
    • (R) Raisin
    • (P) Processing for jams & jellies
    • (J) Juice
  • (4) Not as winter hardy as Concord.

 

Recommended books/pamphlets/source lists:

Colorado Grape Growing, Bulletin 550 A, Colorado State University Extension

Grape Growing, Weaver, 1976, John P. Wyley & Sons, New York.
Wines & Vines Magazine, (Published monthly except December) 703 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94103
Growing Grapes in Minnesota, 1978, available from: Carolyn Barrett, 6133 Oaklawn Ave., Edina, MN 55421
Grape Vine Nutrition & Fertilization in the San Joaquin Valley, Priced Pub. 4087, Agricultural Sciences Publications, University of California, 1422 Harbour Way South, Richmond, CA 94804.

Placed on the Internet November 19, 1996; Updated May 20, 2011