Thought that cold climates and good wine were mutually exclusive? Think again. A granddaughter of Pinot Noir, Marquette sets a new standard in cold-hardy wine grapes. Finished wines are complex, with an attractive ruby color, pronounced tannins, and desirable notes of cherry, berry, black pepper, and spice—on both the nose and the palate.

Proven Performance in Harsh Conditions

These grapes have done particularly well at a cold location in Alberton that has seen temperatures well into the -30°F range. If you're in an area that regularly sees winter temps below -30°F, it’s been our experience—and the experience of many who’ve planted Marquette over the years—that the tops may die off the first few winters. But don’t worry: they’ll reliably come back from the base each spring.

Rooted Cuttings, Not Grafts

This is totally okay because these vines are from rooted cuttings, not grafts. That means the roots themselves are Marquette, so what comes back in the spring will still be Marquette grapes. It does set the vine back a little, but eventually—usually after a couple of years—it’ll be strong enough to handle harder frosts without dying back to the roots.

A Must-Have for Montana Winemakers

This self-pollinating grape is a must for any Montanan looking to make high-quality, cold-climate wine. These grapes are going into their second year after being rooted from cuttings. Nice, strong vines with solid root systems.