Upper Mississippi River Valley (AVA)
  Sign In
Subscribe to our newsletter
Bookmark and Share  


This massive AVA , the world's largest , covers 29,914 square miles and portions of southeast Minnesota, southwest Wisconsin, northwest Illinois, and northeast Iowa. This AVA has a cool continental climate which lead many wineries to prune after harvest and bury the vines in mulch to protect them from the cold winter weather. The Mississippi River and tributaries provide sloping riverbanks that allow sun exposure and soil drainage. Limestone is found underneath mainly silt loam and clay soils.The application for the UMRV AVA was based upon evidence of a glacial retreat 15,000 years ago. Hybrid grapes flourish in this area, including Marechal Foch, Frontenac, Saint Croix, Chardonel and Edelweiss.Many new wineries rely on these new cold-climate grape varieties developed by legendary horticulturist Elmer Swenson of Osceola, Wis., and the University of Minnesota. They resist disease, withstand winter temperatures down to –20 or even –40 degrees Fahrenheit, and ripen early.

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


Edelweiss: You are part of a band of Native and French-Americans that could easily be called the ‘Polar Bear Gang’.  [>] continue

Quick Finds

Q: What are the most recognized grapes grown here?

Q: What wines are produced here?

The AppellationAmerica database identifies 2 wines labeled with the Upper Mississippi River Valley designation.

[>] see the complete Upper Mississippi River Valley 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 ?

Search the Upper Mississippi River Valley 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 Upper Mississippi River Valley appellation.