Early summer at Lincoln Peak

After almost 25 years of growing pick-your-own strawberries on the farm, the Granstrom family began planting cold-hardy grapevines in 2001. Winegrape varieties that survive happily through Vermont winters were relatively new and interest was growing quickly. Lincoln Peak began as a vineyard and nursery, and we grew and sold many plants that are now growing throughout Vermont and the Midwest.

Our vines now cover 12 acres on our farm, and we’ve converted the strawberry stand to a winery. We make delicious wine from the grapes on our land. All of our wines are made with 100% Vermont grapes. The whole family is still involved; meet us and our staff below.

Winter pruning

Grape growers in places like New England and the Upper Midwest used to be limited to a few varieties like Concord. Even these grapes didn’t always ripen in our relatively short growing season, and even when they did ripen, they were suitable mostly for jelly and juice. Their “foxy” flavor was nothing that wine drinkers wanted in their glass.

But all that is changing. The University of Minnesota has an active grape breeding program, and they have created new varieties that not only survive the northern winter, but can be made into wine that is excellent by any standard. Another group of winter-hardy grape varieties was created by the late Elmer Swenson, a private breeder from Osceola, Wisconsin.

Vineyards that will survive to minus 25, minus 35, some even to minus 40 degrees F. are now being planted in places like Minnesota and Quebec. Excellent wine is being produced and sold at these vineyards, and more vineyards are being planted as fast as the vines can be propagated. We specialize in these grapes at our Vermont winery, and are making excellent Vermont wine with them. We also have a few hardy table grapes varieties. The world of grape growing has truly moved North!

What is the mainstream, national wine press saying about Lincoln Peak wine? From an article called "Great wines from obscure varieties" at Richard Leahy's Wine Report: "Lincoln Peak Vineyard Marquette 2008 (VT). This is a rich, full-bodied wine... Dark purple color and blackberry and spice aromas lead to black cherry, wild berry, and smoke nuances on the palate, with plush smooth long tannins. Who knew a red wine like this could be grown and made in Vermont?"

Learn more about:
Our grape varietals
Nurseries that sell these vines
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Chris loading up grapes lugs

Chris has been farming in Vermont's Champlain Valley for more than 30 years. After growing apples and strawberries, Chris decided to specialize in growing cold-hardy grape varieties from Elmer Swenson and the University of Minnesota. The Vermont winery soon followed the grapevine nursery. Chris has had great success with these grapes and is thrilled to welcome visitors to Lincoln Peak Vineyard to taste his Vermont wines.

Michaela

Michaela says she didn't know what she was getting into when she married a farmer. She was an art teacher – and still is – but life on the farm means that when summer rolls around, she jumps right into work in the vineyard. Michaela and Chris have raised two daughters on the farm. You can see Michaela's artistic influence in the tasting room-- be sure to check out the floor when you visit.

Erich

Erich works in every aspect of the vineyard and winery, from pruning to winemaking. He's been an indispensable asset to the farm for several years. In his free time he takes care of his own vineyard in northern Vermont!

Sara

After venturing out in other parts of the world (some distant, some not), Sara is back working in the family business again and couldn't be happier. The best part is getting to work outside in the vineyard, in the winery, and chat with customers in the tasting room in the same day.

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• Lincoln Peak shelf talkers (color) for download

• Lincoln Peak shelf talkers (B&W) for download