Indigenous Grapes Have a Place
Muscadine madness
We’ve gone crazy. We’ve jumped off a cliff into a huge bin of muscadines and we are not getting out! Muscadine grapes, native to the southeastern United States, have been flying under the radar for far too long. With their thick skins and bold flavors, they're like the rebels of the grapevine, daring to be different in a world dominated by Vinifera.
One of the biggest reasons we should all be taking a closer look at Muscadines is they are adapted to the weather patterns and pests of our region. It’s the one grape we can grow with the utmost confidence knowing it will survive and thrive. It means you can grow muscadines successfully without all the nasty chemicals of Vinifera grape growing. No spray tanks, no synthetic pesticides, and no herbicides needed!
Muscadines bring a whole new world of flavor to the table. With their intense sweetness and unique foxy aroma, they offer a taste experience like no other. There is no way to describe a muscadine other than it tastes like a muscadine. It’s so distinct, and that’s special in this era of sameness.
Thirdly, muscadines are packed with antioxidants and other good-for-you compounds, making them a win-win for your taste buds and your body. Some muscadine growers grow exclusively for pharmaceutical companies because they possess some of the highest levels of resveratrol found in grape skins!
With all benefits and no downsides, muscadines offer a fresh perspective on winemaking, challenging our notions of what a "good" wine should be. In a world where homogeneity reigns supreme, indigenous grapes like muscadines remind us of the beauty of diversity.
Want to try some Muscadine beverages? Try these: