Ever wonder how grapes and other plants make babies? By babies, I’m talking about new grape varietals, either clones or hybrids that is! Let’s get into a wee bit of a science lesson here and learn from one of the experts, Peter Hemstad, co-owner of Saint Croix Vineyards, MN. He truly is (at least in my opinion!) the Mad Scientist of new grape varietals!
First, it’s important to know the different ways grape vines can mutate, mate or cross to become a new varietal. “Hybrids” are new species of grapes created by two grapes of different species. Thus, grape babies! While this can happen by natural cross-pollination, most commonly, it happens by the deliberate intervention of a mad scientist or botanist. Similarly a crossed grapevine is created when one species is fertilized with the pollen of another grape species.
Clones, however, are natural or deliberate mutations of grapevines from a single parent. One of the most prolific varietals creating numerous clones is Pinot Noir. When not naturally “born”, the intent of cloning grapevines is to solve some problem or challenge. Thes challenges can’t relate to disease resistance, drought tolerance or cold hardiness. The good news is these are not Petri dish experiments where a grape’s DNA has been forced to clone a mutant vine which will take over the world. Grapevine cloning is just building on what Mother Nature created, with a little boost and focused intent.
Where are grape babies made anyway?
Follow me on a visit to Saint Croix Vineyards in Minnesota. I had the pleasure of spending the day in a real live vineyard laboratory with Peter Helmstad, co-owner of the winery and renowned expert in grapevine hybridization. The below video is just a snippet of our adventure. Listen in as Peter provides some keen insight on the success of numerous grape hybrids Peter helped create which are changing the game for Minnesota winemakers.
My my mention of science, botany, or chemistry may bring horrific memories of high school to mind. I hope this fun lesson has brought a whole new light to the magic made in botanical laboratories! After my science lesson in the vineyard, Peter treated me to a tasting flight of Saint Croix’s locally grown varietals. I can truly say I‘m impressed! More to come in future posts, (make sure you’ve signed up for my Newsletter so you don’t miss one!), but suffice it to say I’m not leaving empty handed! I know you’ll want to stay tuned!
Cheers!🍷
#saintcroixvineyards #minnesotawine #mnwine #itascawine #marquettewine #newwine #madscientist #domsom #domsom.us #gettingourdomsom #winelovers #winelover #wineenthusiast #wineprofessional #winetasting #winecountry #winepairings #uswine #wineeducation #themoreyoulearn #fortworthtx
