humid summers. Most of the classic vitis vinifera varietals, such as Cabernet and Chardonnay, cannot grow in these conditions. Frigid winters can kill the vines and humid conditions can lead to disease, pests, or rot. This is why hybrid grapevines such as Chambourcin, Seyval Blanc, and Traminette were invented - to be more adaptable to the cold climate and humidity, so that the vines can produce fruit year after year. Grape breeding has been around a long time. Sometimes you hear about French hybrids, as some people in France were fairly prolific breeders in the late 1800s, developing grapes such as Chambourcin, De Chaunac, and Marechal Foch. Americans have had a big impact in grape breeding, as well. The Traminette grape, prevalent throughout the Midwest, was invented in 1965 at the University of Illinois in Champaign. Elmer Swenson from Wisconsin, is considered the pioneer of Midwest grape growing. His endless tinkering with grape hybrids was instrumental in convincing Midwest farmers to consider other crop options like reliably hardy, disease-resistant, relatively lucrative, and in-demand grapes that would make decent wine. Due to the research and grower’s willingness to experiment with various cross-breeding techniques the wine business in the Midwest has grown and flourished.
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