MI grape winter injury

Climate and vineyard site selection

For maps with data about:
Growing season length
Growing season heat accumulation
Winter injury

Here are some of the non-climatic factors you'll want to consider in selecting a site:
Local relief (topography)
Current land use
Tourism
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Winter injury

Extreme winter temperatures can cause winter injury to vine tissue. Some of the less hardy varieties grown in Michigan may begin to experience damage at 0 degrees F. The extent of damage due to cold temperatures depends on the variety grown, the timing of cold period relative to plant development, and on the weather prior to and immediately following the low temperature episode. This map shows the average number of days per year with temperatures less than -4 degrees F. More information on quantifying risk of winter injury is included in Extension Bulletin, Vineyard Establishment I E-2644 - view text, ordering information. Detailed, long-term weather information is available for 83 sites in the state is available at: http://www.agweather.geo.msu.edu/agwx/index.html

Data and maps prepared by Aaron Pollyea, Peter Kurtz, and Tracy Aichele, Michigan Climatological Resources Program, Michigan State University Department of Geography, based on data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Summary of the Day series (NOAA, 1952-2001).

View more weather and climate information from Michigan State University.

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Funding for this web site provided by Project GREEEN, American Farmland Trust, EPA Region 5's Strategic Agricultural Initiative program, The National Foundation for IPM Education, the Center for Agricultural Partnerships and the MSU Integrated Pest Management Program
in collaboration with MSU Extension and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station.
Updated 10/30/07 Contact: J.N. Landis.