Our hardiest grape, the Valiant Grape was the first one to make it possible to grow grapes on the prairies. Valiant has small seeded blueish red clusters of grapes that can take up to -40 degrees Celsius. It has a flavour similar to Concorde grape. Although Valiant can be eaten fresh it makes a good quality juice, wine and jelly. Grapes ripen from early to middle of September. Valiant was bred by Dr. Ron Peterson at South Dakota State University in 1982.
Growers Note: Even with the hardiness of Valiant, it can still have die back if left on trellis during a cold winter. Lay down vines on ground in autumn before snowfall. Then cover with either leaves or eventually snow as this provides insulation. This is a successful and recommended technique for cold climate grape growing to protect vines from extreme cold.
Hardiness Zone: 2b
Height at Maturity: 1 meter (3 feet)
Spread: 2 meter (6 feet)
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained
Light Exposure: Full sun
Pollination: Self-fertile
Latin Name: Vitis 'Valiant'