About PIWI Grapes

Questions

PIWI Grape Varieties

Germany has the most extensive breeding program at this time, with three institutes (JKI, Frieberg and Giesenheim) contributing to developing modern PIWI grapevines.

Though there are extensive breeding programs in the EU, access for Canadian growers is currently not available for these varieties. Specific varieties, like Villaris, which is a Vidal Blanc cross, would offer significant fungus resistance improvements over Vidal while having a similar flavour profile, sugar and acidity with cold hardiness.

Part of PIWI Canada’s goal is to increase access to these varieties.

Future variety to keep an eye on: FR 628-2005 R as it has near total Powdery Mildew resistance