Michigan’s Cold-Hardy Grapes Are Rewriting the Map of Wine
Real talk: The Upper Peninsula isn’t just a place for winter sports—it’s becoming a wine region. As climate extremes push viticulture to the edges of the map, Michigan’s northernmost vineyards are proving that cold-hardy grapes can turn frostbitten soil into something extraordinary. Near Escanaba, wineries like Northern Sun are crafting wines that defy expectations, blending resilience with artistry in a climate where traditional grapes would freeze mid-bloom. This isn’t just about survival—it’s about redefining what wine can be. The secret lies in grape varieties bred for extremes. Researchers at the University of Minnesota developed these cold-hardy strains to thrive where…
