Grapevine DVIETES ZILĀ

Grapevine 'Dvietes Zilā'

A historically groundbreaking, extremely cold-hardy Latvian variety, perfect for low-maintenance greening of pergolas, gazebos, and walls in cold climates.

Grapevine 'Dvietes Zilā' (Mid-late variety)

'Dvietes Zilā' (meaning Dvietes Blue) is a historically groundbreaking grapevine variety (interspecific hybrid of Vitis vinifera x Vitis labrusca) that revolutionized grape cultivation in northern climates. It was bred in 1949 in the Latvian village of Dviete by the self-taught horticulturist Pauls Sukatnieks (1914 – 1989), who gained international acclaim as a pioneer of cold-hardy viticulture (alongside grapes, he successfully bred melons, tomatoes, apples, and roses). It is the first internationally recognized northern grape variety capable of surviving the harshest winters without the need for complex winter protection.

Key advantages of the variety:

• Extreme winter hardiness: The most significant trait of the variety—easily withstands freezing temperatures down to -30 °C (some sources report down to -35 °C) and does not need winter covering.
• Ideal for pergolas and trellises: Thanks to its vigorous growth and vitality, it is perfect for covering pergolas, fences, gazebos, and exterior walls.
• Loose clusters with no thinning needed: Berries are set loosely within the cluster, preventing fruit deformation and eliminating the need for laborious thinning.
• High and consistent yields: Crops reliably in cold northern regions (the breeder himself produced up to 8 tons of grapes annually from his 1.8-hectare vineyard).
• Robust health: Stands out for its natural resilience, vitality, and low-maintenance requirements.

Fruit and Harvest

• Appearance: Medium to large clusters weighing 350 – 500 g with a loose, airy structure. Berries are medium-sized (approx. 2 cm in diameter) with a dark reddish-brown color.
• Harvest period: Mid-late variety. Under northern conditions, it ripens in mid-September.

Cultivation, Hardiness, and Characteristics

• Winter management: Requires no winter covering under standard conditions. For complete safety in the most severe regions, simply laying the canes on the ground in autumn and lightly covering them with pine boughs is sufficient.
• Considerations: Features smaller berries (approx. 2 cm) compared to modern table grapes. As a hybrid with Vitis labrusca, it carries a distinctive fruity aroma typical of this lineage.