Fighting Frost at Sovereign Estates
In May of 2016, Minnesotans experienced a late frost over two days in a row. This wreaked havoc on many local gardeners. While I was frantically trying to protect my newly planted seedlings, vineyards were facing much bigger problems.
Sovereign Estates
At Sovereign Estates, the first round of buds had just begun to break. This frost threatened to destroy over half their grape crop. This meant the staff needed to take quick action. They spent most of the night lighting fires to keep the frost from destroying their grapes.
The effects of frost on new buds are crippling. Most grape varieties have 1-3 different bud cycles, with shoots emerging at different times of the year.
The first buds are the most prominent, producing the largest amount of grapes. If they are lost, over half the crop would be lost too.
Other factors were in their favor that night. Because they placed their vineyard on a hill facing a lake, it helped protect their crop. The cold air was pulled into the lake like a magnet.
The other vineyards in the region were not as lucky. They did not have the proximity advantage with the lake.
The grapes growing at Sovereign Estates are La Crescent, Frontenac Blanc, and Marquette. With all their hard work, all the buds were saved. I can’t say the same about the neighboring vineyards.
That October, they were able to harvest a full crop of grapes. When you stop in for a tasting, be sure to explore their current varieties, including La Crescent, Frontenac Blanc, and Marquette wines.
A lot of hard work goes into creating these delicious drinks.
I was not as fortunate as Sovereign Estates with the frost. I found my attempts at covering my seedlings actually crushed them.
Thankfully my little garden was replaceable. Maybe I should try their method and build some fires next spring! Ok, I’m just kidding.
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