Montana
 Welcome | My Account | Sign Out
Subscribe to our newsletter
Bookmark and Share  


From the Bitterroot Valley to Misoula to the slopes around Flathead Lake, Montana viticulture is truly a continuing experiment. Extreme cold of winter, occasionally dipping as low as -20F, is the problem when it comes to vinifera, while cold hardy hybrid grapes have a much easier time.

The shining star of vinifera appears to be Pinot Noir, grown around Flathead Lake, where it's waters help keep temps a little higher during the cold winter periods. Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and even Merlot show adaptability. Hybrids such as Maréchal Foche are favored, but all must also ripen in the very short growing season that typically provides just a May to earlier October window. That is a tough test at best, but dedicated soles are making it happen.

Not surprisingly, with such challenges, many wines are made with imported fruit from Washington, Oregon and California. Fruit trees, most notably cherry, native berries also are a prime component for some Montana wineries who care not to risk the efforts to grow wine grapes.

Take in those big skies and wide open spaces with a Montana wine. You will most likely have to go there to taste as few if any leave the state commercially.

Current Feature

In the southern Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Georgia vineyards are small and few, yet the establishment of the Upper Hiwassee Highlands could bring much more.  [>] continue


Related Features


 

Alive & Well here


Lemberger: In your Austrian homeland you conduct business in some lofty circles. Your handsome dark appearance and  [>] continue

Quick Finds

Q: What are the most recognized grapes grown here?
Q: What wines are produced here?

The AppellationAmerica database identifies 5 wines labeled with the Montana designation.

[>] see the complete Montana Wine List.
Q: What wineries are based here ?
Q: What other wineries source fruit here ?
There are no other wineries that source fruit from this appellation
Q: What are the overlapping appellations ?
There are no overlapping appellations

Search the Montana Wine List

 
select wine style:
select grape:
 

Advertisement



    Help us improve travel information to your favorite region...



Winery Sponsors

Winery sponsors of Appellation America’s coverage of the Montana appellation.