As you might imagine, conditions can get pretty cold in Minnesota in the winter, but that hasn't stopped natives from getting into grape growing and wine production. In fact, the natives have a saying, "great wines come from vines that suffer. Welcome to Minnesota, where the vines really suffer."

Only hearty varieties that can withstand the frigid temperatures can survive this climate, so the University of Minnesota has a grape breeding program to find the most suitable. So far, four varieties have emerged from this work: Frontenac, Frontenac Gris, Marquette and La Crescent. Other varieties were developed privately, as hybrids between French varieties and local ones; some of these, such as La Crosse and Prairie Star, are still planted today. Marechal Foch, a red hybrid, is also common in Minnesota. (Wine/Appellations)