Prost! Podcast Episode #23 - John Thule - University of Minnesota Grape Breeding Program

Summary

In this episode of the PROST! podcast, host Scott Eckart interviews John Thull, an expert in cold climate viticulture from the University of Minnesota. They discuss the challenges and techniques of growing grape varieties that can withstand harsh winters, the legacy of Elmer Swenson in developing cold-hardy varieties, and the intricate process of breeding new grape varieties. John shares insights from his extensive experience in the field, including the importance of evaluating grape quality and the ongoing efforts to improve Minnesota's wine industry.

Keywords

cold climate viticulture, John Thull, grape breeding, Elmer Swenson, Minnesota wine, viticulture techniques, cold hardy varieties, vineyard management, grape varieties, winemaking

Takeaways

• Cold climate varieties can withstand extreme temperatures.
• Snow acts as an insulator for grapevines.
• John Thull has over 20 years of experience in viticulture.
• Elmer Swenson was instrumental in developing cold hardy grape varieties.
• The breeding process involves generating thousands of seeds annually.
• It takes years to evaluate the viability of new grape varieties.
• Grapes must have the right chemistry for winemaking.
• Training the palate is essential for evaluating grape quality.
• The Minnesota wine industry has evolved significantly since the 1970s.
• Collaboration is key in the grape breeding process.