Why Concord Grape Growing Is The Choice Of Many

Cultivating grapes has been a long-standing industry but grape growers have always struggled to maintain the productivity of their vineyards due to harsh winters. In 1894, a man named Ephraim Wales Bull made a mark in the history of viticulture when he developed and discovered the Concord grape which was uniquely resilient to the winter frost and had a multitude of uses. Since then, Concord grape growing has gained popularity and mainstream status among viticulture practices used by homeowners and vineyard cultivators alike.

Ephraim Wales Bull originally came from Boston, Massachusetts. After getting married to Mary Ellen Walker in September 1826, he decided to move to Concord, Massachusetts with his wife ten years later due to lung problems. Seven years later, Bull took on the challenge of developing a grape variety that was strong enough to withstand the cold climate of New England. Hence, in 1843, Bull started to collect wild vitis labrusca or American grapes which flourished in Concord. After a strenuous breeding process and careful analysis of the 22,000 seedlings he planted for his research, Bull discovered the Concord grape in 1849.


The Concord grape had characteristics that strongly suggested that it was a vitis labrusca breed. But what makes it different is that it displays minute characteristics suggestive of a vitis vinifera mix. Experts argue that the hermaphrodite gendering of its flowers - both male and female at the same time - is slightly indicative of a vitis vinifera pedigree but nobody really knows now. When the it was developed though, Bull was certain that he found the "perfect grape." But perhaps it is not only Bull that found the it to be perfect because growing this variety has obviously picked up since 1849. Both vineyard owners and homeowners have shown their liking for the fruit.

The obvious reason why growing these grapes is embraced by many, is because they have better tolerance of cold weather compared to most varieties. Its higher tolerance then allows it to flourish despite frosting, without significantly affecting the quality and quantity of the fruit yield. Thus, while most grape varieties have to be grown in warm climate conditions, the Concord sets itself apart as it can be grown in areas with cold climates such as the northern regions of the United States.

Concord grapes also have a higher resistance to diseases - another probable reason as to why a lot of grapevine cultivators and enthusiasts choose to grow them rather than other varieties. Plant diseases can affect fruit production in numerous ways. For example, until the disease has been treated, a vineyard owner will not be able to utilize his grape yields, will be shouldering payments to treat the diseases that plagued his grape vines, and will ultimately lose chances for profit. On the other hand, instead of saving money, homeowners then have to spend just to treat grape vine diseases. People who choose Concord grape growing have a smaller chance of facing these consequences given the disease-resistant nature of Concord grapes.

The most practical reason why many people are attracted to the concept of growing this special grape is because the Concord is a flexible variety. While grape varieties differ in terms of use - some for wine and some for table-eating - Concord grapes can be used either for table eating or wine-making. As a matter of fact, Concord grapes are sold all throughout the U.S. as for table use. They are used to make grape jelly, grape juice, as well as grape-flavored candies and soft drinks. In some churches, Concord grapes are also used to make non-alcoholic wines for communion services. Kosher wine is yet another product of Concord grapes.