The Best Grapes to Grow in Wisconsin for Wine

Concord

• The Concord grape grows well in southern Wisconsin. It requires a 155- to 160-day growing season for the grape to fully ripen. The grape's vines and shoots can become injured when the temperature dips below negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit. For this reason, vines in Wisconsin generally produce quality grapes two or three years out of every five.

St. Croix

• The St. Croix grape variety grows well in the southwest and central regions of the state. This American wine varietal produces medium and large bunches of small berries. The grape's juice has a low acid content and a pale rose color suitable for making wine. Mature grape vines ripen in mid-September.

Himrod

• The Himrod varietal is also a grape native to America. It produces white wine. Grapes grow in large clusters on vines. The berries taste sweet and do not contain seeds. However, the varietal only grows best in select sections of eastern Wisconsin. It's not considered a particularly hardy grape for Wisconsin, and its vines and shoots are prone to injury from the cold.

La Crosse

• The La Crosse varietal is a white Swenson-hybrid. It's considered a good variety for making sweet wines. It grows well in the southwest and central regions of the state. The grape ripens in mid-September. Researchers with the University of Wisconsin recommend this grape for trail plantings.

Esprit

• Esprit is a grape varietal appropriate for table use or wine-making. Like the La Crosse varietal, Esprit also can grow in hardness zones in Wisconsin's southwest and central regions. It ripens in mid-to-late September. The grape has mild fruity flavor and produces a white juice. It's also recommended by researchers with the University of Wisconsin for trial plantings.