Cooperative Extension Service Communications and Technology Department 3354 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071 (307) 766-2540 • fax (307) 766-3998 • www.uwyo.edu

 

For Immediate Release

 

Contact: Robert Waggener, Editor

Phone: (307) 766-3571

E-mail: robertw@uwyo.edu

 

Date: May 1, 2006

Landscaping Tips

Growing great grapes in Wyoming

By Justin Moss, director

UW Sheridan Research and Extension Center

            When one thinks of Wyoming, one probably imagines majestic mountains, high plains and wildlife rather than growing grapes for jellies, jams, juices or winemaking.

            Many homeowners, ranchers and farmers in the state, however, are thinking grapes (Vitis spp.), and they are successfully growing and harvesting cold-hardy wine and table varieties. 

            The most popular red wine grape for Wyoming is Frontenac, while a close relative, Frontenac Gris, is gaining popularity as a white wine grape. 

            Frontenac wine is being produced at the Table Mountain Vineyards in southeastern Wyoming near Huntley by Patrick Zimmerer and his family. He is president of the Wyoming Grape and Wine Association, which has about 50 members from Wyoming. 

            Zimmerer and other growers in Goshen and Platte counties are producing grapes on anywhere from 1/2-acre to 5 acres of land. Homeowners are also getting into the mix. 

            The most popular table grape in Wyoming is Valiant, which is great for making juices, jams and jellies. 

            The most important factors for growing grapes in Wyoming are site and variety selection.  An ideal location is a sunny site on the south side of a home or other structures having wind and snow protection on the north and west sides. 

            It is a good idea to take a soil sample and have it tested for grape production. Soil testing information sheets can be obtained at any UW Cooperative Extension Service county office in the state or online at http://ces.uwyo.edu/PUBS/MP6.2.pdf.

            There is a $20 fee for the standard test at the UW Soil Testing Laboratory, which includes pH, salts, organic matter, phosphate-phosphorus, nitrate-nitrogen, lime and texture. There is a $4 fee for additional tests. The lab is in the College of Agriculture, and the director, Kelli Belden, can be reached at (307) 766-2135.

            For the homeowner, a nice arbor or fence makes a good trellis system while those interested in producing a larger number of vines will need to build a dedicated trellis system.      Selecting a cold-hardy grape variety is a must for the Wyoming climate. Large-scale, cold-hardy grape variety testing has been initiated across Wyoming by the UW Agriculture Experiment Station, and results will be released when they become available.

            For more information about growing grapes in the state, contact Justin Moss at the Sheridan Research and Extension Center at (307) 737-2415. 

            For more information about the Wyoming Grape and Wine Association, contact Patrick Zimmerer at (307) 788-1707 or Janet Bass in Torrington at (307) 532-8204.

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