A YEAR IN REFLECTION: 2017 GROWING SEASON
Michigan viticulture, like regions of Europe such as Austria, Germany and Burgundy, is classified as cool-climate viticulture with average growing season length ranging from 165 (northwest region) to 180 (southwest region) days, and is characterized by relatively short growing season length, cooler summers and potential frost or freeze damage during fall, winter and spring.
The 2017 season had challenges for Michigan grape producers. Spring frost in early May damaged shoots and flower clusters of juice and wine grapes in southwest Michigan while wine grapes grown in the northwest were still in early bud swell, and were not as susceptible to frost damage. However, the northwest had cool wet conditions which appeared to reduce fruit set. Spring and summer rainfall was 2 inches higher in the region.
Grapevines on Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula accumulated a relatively low-number heat unit accumulation, which was lower than the five-year average. This increased rainfall coupled with a relatively cool growing season resulted in grape producers spending more time and money in the vineyard managing the rain-induced vine growth and defending the vines against fungal pathogens that thrive in moist and cool conditions.
Although the environment presented challenges, September and October were warm enough for grapes to reach maturity. The fruit also was free of disease. Growers reported normal to above-average yields.
Again, 2017 brought its own challenges, but each trial was met and overcome by the grape producers of Michigan.
In our region, we had conditions during bloom that were not conducive to a strong fruit set, but in the end, growers had normal to above-average tonnage and quality. The very warm September and first half of October yielded some exceptional fruit — some varieties developed well and will likely produce some exemplary wines. In the end, 2017 turned out to be a great year, particularly when in August we thought we had a mediocre season on our hands.
A YEAR IN PROJECTION: 2018 GROWING SEASON
Research and extension efforts in 2018 will have two main objectives: 1) Successfully establish the new research vineyard, and 2) Assist commercial grape producers by implementing research-based practices, reduce insect and disease pressure to enhance fruit maturity and quality in a sustainable and economical way.
We will plant at least one full acre of wine grapes at the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center in late May.
This new planting will be comprised of core cultivars: Cabernet franc, Chardonnay, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, Pinot noir and Riesling. The purpose of this planting will be to monitor and subject these cultivars to protocols to enhance the quality and quantity in both the grapes and ultimately in the wine. In other words, northwest Michigan has proven that it can produce excellent wines made from these popular cultivars, but more research-based information is needed to consistently ripen fruit annually to promote and expand our industry.
We also will be purchasing grape maturity equipment to measure basic juice composition in multiple regions and vineyards in the northwest. With grant funds, we also will hire a summer research technician to assist in the early care of the research vineyard, collect fruit maturity and pest data — this information will be communicated back to the growers so they can make sound viticultural decisions.
Extension efforts will work in tandem with research already underway by invasive insect pest and viticulture experts at the NWMHRC and Michigan State University.
We are bringing fruit maturity technology, and working with Michigan State University experts to bring the very best viticulture research and extension to promote and improve the vibrant grape and wine industry of Northwest Michigan.
Thomas Todaro is a wine and grape industry educator with Michigan State University Extension.
