In the spring of 2013, 1,700 Cynthiana vines were added to our already thriving Muscadine vineyard. The following year a subsequent two acres of Midwest hybrids were added. These varietals include Traminette, Vignoles, Chambourcin, and Valvin Muscat vines. In the spring of 2018 we planted Tempranillo vines, two rows of Enchantment, and a small selection of table grapes. The table grapes were planted for flavor enhancements to our wines.
Vignoles produces a very fruity wine that can be styled sweet or dry.
Traminette is a hybrid varietal that has Gewürztraminer in its direct lineage and produces a very floral wine, often smelling of violets or rose.
Valvin Muscat is a grape variety developed by Cornell University. Muscat grapes are likely one of the very first grapes to have been domesticated judging by the diversity of varietals. They have a very distinct Muscat, not to be confused with Muscadine, flavor. Come taste the difference!
Chambourcin is another Midwest hybrid grape we grow that produces a very balanced full bodied red that is reminiscent of Merlot in style.
Cynthiana is the Arkansas State Grape. It is a completely separate species than anything else we grow. The Latin is Vitis Aestivalis and it is native to our region.
Enchantment is a red wine grape produced by the University of Arkansas and only recently released to the public. It was bred with the intent of making a red wine grape that is disease resistant to the pressures of the Arkansas climate on grape growing.
Muscadines are also native to our region. They are a southern favorite. Serving Muscadine wine to people who have never had it before just to see their reaction is always an enjoyable experience. If you grew up in the South chances are you've tried its distinct flavor in some form or fashion, be it jelly, wine, or fresh fruit. It can be quite a surprise to people who have never sampled its unique profile.
Tempranillo is a grape we have high hopes for in our location. Vitis Vinifera is very difficult to grow here, but it grows well in areas that are subjected to high summer humidity and unpredictable rainfall. This sounds very familiar, right? Fingers crossed. It is native to Spain and is a "traditional" wine grape.
The table grapes we are planting are all bred by the University of Arkansas and we will only have a small planting of each varietal.
