At our Utah winery, we’re proud to grow Frontenac, a cold-hardy grape that thrives in our high-elevation climate and chilly fall nights. First introduced in 1996, this bluish-black grape helped spark a revolution in winemaking across the colder regions of the U.S.—and it’s proving just as exciting here in Utah.
Frontenac delivers bold cherry notes, with hints of black currant and ripe red fruit—ideal for light-colored reds, off-dry rosés, and even decadent dessert and ice wines. It’s small, dark berries pack an intense skin-to-juice ratio, giving winemakers depth and structure to work with in every bottle.
What makes Frontenac especially suited to our region is its resilience. This variety handles extreme cold—down to -35°F—making it perfect for Utah’s unpredictable winters. It buds, breaks, and ripens early, allowing us to harvest between August and September.
Frontenac vines can be vigorous. We train ours on a double cordon system, which suits their growth pattern and supports healthy yields. Canopy management and pruning are key—careful shoot thinning and leaf removal help the grapes ripen evenly in our high desert sun.
Frontenac is more than just a cold-hardy grape—it’s a workhorse that produces expressive, well-balanced wines that reflect the rugged elegance of Utah’s terroir. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of Frontenac by a cozy fire or outside on a sunny afternoon, you’ll taste the resilience and richness this grape brings to every glass.
