Table Grapes
Great River
Vineyard is the largest grower
of fresh table grapes in Minnesota, with Bluebell
as our most popular variety - the grapiest grape grown. Bluebell is an old University of Minnesota variety that nearly died out. A
technician working at the research farm brought it to our attention in the late
1970's. We tested it at several sites since then and have concluded that it is just
the grape we needed. The Bluebell is very much like the Concord grape but is
earlier ripening, sweeter, juicier and grapier. It is also much more cold hardy. It is so
disease resistant that it requires little or no spraying and ripens by Labor Day almost
every year. A true grape for the north and a real treat for the taste buds!!
We also grow King of
the North which is a
table grape that is a bit later and somewhat tart but is hardier than the Bluebell.
This is a large juicy grape that can be used for eating, juice or jelly.
It makes a nice, sweet wine as well as being a vigorous, heavy bearing
all-purpose variety for the north. Summersweet is a table grape that is
earlier and hardier that Bluebell and may be the best variety for the north
country that we offer. Somerset Seedless is the hardiest seedless grape we
have yet found. It is often edible in August and its pink berries are
tasty and beautiful.
For
a more complete variety description click here.
Bluebell and Frontenac are available either pick your own or
we pick
throughout the month of September. Come on out to the vineyard and bring the family.
Contact us at: grapes@rconnect.com