Viticulture
|
Renewing a Missouri Valley Tradition
Created in the spirit of the orchard operation, the 6.5-acre vineyard at Kimmel Orchard will serve not only the tastes of the produce market but also educational needs of the fast-growing grape and wine market in Nebraska and surrounding region.
Grapes are becoming an important value-added crop for agricultural producers who need to diversify as a hedge against volatile markets, and consumers have responded, particularly with the growing popularity of locally produced wine varieties.
Vineyards are not new to Nebraska or to the Missouri Valley. As early as the 1860s vineyards were established throughout the region by European immigrants, and local harvests in the 19th century were reported in the tens of thousands of bushels.
Kimmel Orchard began to build on this tradition in 1999 with the establishment of a two-acre research plot that consisted of approximately 30 varieties. The plot was designed to test the hardiness of varieties that grew in the region as well as some better associated with France or California, including varieties such as Merlot and Chardonnay.
By June 2001, four acres were planted with the four most successful varieties: Chambourcin and Dechaunac (red), and LaCrosse and Vignoles (white). The Chambourcin and Vignoles have proven to best suited for Kimmel Orchard and Southeast Nebraska, while the Dechaunac and LaCrosse are better suited for other parts of the state. The remaining 2.5 acres of the vineyard are devoted to table grape and juice grapevines, including the varieties Canadice, Reliance, Mars, and Seedless Concord.
Soon the vineyard will produce wine, non-alcoholic juice and table grapes for the produce market, but more importantly, it will continue to inspire, inform and educate as a valuable testing ground for those in the emerging grape and wine industry. It is an experience to savor for anyone who loves the fruit of the vine.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
