Itasca Grapes

At FCD Vineyard, we’re proud to grow Itasca — one of the most promising white wine grapes developed specifically for colder regions like Wisconsin. Whether you're a hobbyist winemaker, a curious grape lover, or a U-Pick enthusiast, Itasca offers a rewarding experience both in the field and in the bottle.

🧬 Origins & Breeding

Itasca was officially released in 2017 by the University of Minnesota’s Grape Breeding and Enology Program, the same team behind cold-climate favorites like Frontenac and Marquette. Its pedigree includes Frontenac gris, MN 1243, and Seyval blanc, carefully selected to balance disease resistance, cold hardiness, and wine quality.

Key traits inherited:

• Strong resistance to downy and powdery mildew
  
  

• Very low acidity compared to other cold-hardy whites
  
  

• Winter hardiness to -30°F (-34°C)
  
  

This makes Itasca ideal for northern vineyards that want to produce a clean, European-style white without the need for heavy spraying or winter protection.

🍷 Taste Profile & Wine Potential

Itasca produces dry to semi-dry white wines with a crisp, clean flavor and complex aromatic profile. Common tasting notes include:

• Pear
  
  

• Honeydew melon
  
  

• Quince
  
  

• Mineral finish (some liken it to cool-climate Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris)
  
  

Because of its naturally low total acidity (a rare gift in cold-hardy grapes), Itasca allows winemakers more flexibility and balance without aggressive deacidification.

Color: Pale straw to light gold
Body: Light to medium
Alcohol: Typically 11.5–13% depending on harvest date
Style: Best vinified as a still white, but promising for dry blends or light oak aging

🍇 In the Field

Itasca vines are vigorous but well-behaved, with loose clusters that resist rot and sunburn. The berries are small to medium, with a subtle golden hue when ripe.

Harvest window (Wisconsin): Late August to mid-September
Ideal Brix: 22–24
Yield: Moderate and consistent
Picking: Easy for U-Pick visitors—clusters are spaced and visible

🍽 Other Uses

Although Itasca is primarily a wine grape, its refreshing sweetness makes it enjoyable for:

• Eating fresh off the vine
  
  

• Freezing for use in wine chilling (without dilution)
  
  

• Fresh juice or blended juice
  
  

• Small-batch jelly or syrup with a floral twist
  
  

🧺 U-Pick Organic Itasca at FCD Vineyard

Looking to try Itasca for yourself? Visit us during harvest season and pick your own! Buckets and shears provided. Come early in the day to catch the cool air and the freshest clusters.

Pricing:

• $2.40 per pound
  
  

• $2.20 per pound when you pick 30 lbs or more
  
  

What to bring: Closed-toe shoes, a hat, and curiosity!

🌾 Why We Grow It

At FCD Vineyard, we believe in growing grapes that thrive in our climate, honor our soil, and produce something truly enjoyable for our community. Itasca checks every box: it’s beautiful, delicious, sustainable, and uniquely suited to Wisconsin.