Frontenac Grape Vine

Frontenac Grape is the go-to wine grape for growers in cold climates — a variety that thrives where others simply won’t survive. Developed at the University of Minnesota, it withstands temperatures as low as -30°F while still producing reliable, high-quality crops of blue-black wine grapes with a distinctive cherry aroma. If you’ve dreamed of making your own wine but thought your climate was too harsh, Frontenac was bred for you.

Exceptional Cold Hardiness Without Sacrificing Quality

Most quality wine grapes are fragile — they need mild winters and long, warm growing seasons. Frontenac breaks that mold entirely. Hardy to Zone 3, it endures brutal winters and bounces back each spring with vigorous growth and abundant fruit. The grapes ripen in late August to mid-September, producing medium to large clusters of firm, flavorful blue-black berries ideal for red wine, rosé, and juice.

The Winemaker’s Workhorse

Frontenac has earned a devoted following among home winemakers and small-scale vintners across the northern U.S. and Canada. Its grapes deliver a pleasant cherry-forward aroma with good depth, making wines that are far more complex and satisfying than you’d expect from a cold-hardy variety. It also produces excellent juice on its own — no winery required.

Why Growers Choose Frontenac

• Hardy to -30°F — one of the most cold-tolerant wine grape varieties available
• Consistent heavy producer — reliable, abundant crops season after season
• Excellent disease resistance — good resistance to powdery mildew, near-immunity to downy mildew
• Minimal bunch rot — loose cluster structure reduces berry splitting and rot
• Vigorous grower — establishes quickly and produces within a few years
• Self-pollinating — no second vine required for fruit production

Growing Tips

Frontenac performs best in full sun with well-drained soil. Its vigorous growth responds well to consistent pruning, which also helps maximize fruit quality and airflow through the canopy. A trellis or sturdy support is recommended. Once established, this vine is remarkably low-maintenance — even in the most challenging northern climates.