What grape varieties are best to plant in the Moscow region: a list

Grape

The Moscow region was previously considered a challenging area for winegrowers. Varieties resilient to harsh climates were few and far between. Demand creates supply, and thanks to the hard work of breeders, we now have a wide range of easy-to-use varieties to choose from. the best grape varieties for growing in open ground in the Moscow region.

Features of the Moscow Region climate

Spring in the Moscow region is long, with the first half of summer being very hot and the second usually rainy. Winters in the region can be windy, moderately frosty, or quite severe with persistent snow cover. Given the climate, here are the key criteria for selecting grapes for the Moscow region:

The variety must withstand winter frosts down to -20 degrees with short-term drops to -25. Resistance to late spring frosts is important;
Give preference to varieties with strong bush growth and rapid shoot maturation;
During the berry ripening period, high humidity is highly undesirable; the fruits will crack, rot, and fall off. Early-ripening varieties should be selected for the Moscow region.

Grape varieties bred specifically for the Moscow region have good to moderate immunity to fungal diseases, which thrive in the high humidity of warm weather. Despite their resistance, preventative treatments should not be neglected.

Attention!

Grapes are heat-loving, but compared to the southern climate of the Moscow region, the latter is more suitable for most new varieties. Regions with moderate weather tend to produce high yields with simple care, and are less susceptible to typical diseases and pests.

Selecting grape varieties for the Moscow region

The above criteria for selecting grapes for the Moscow region are the foundation. When planting grapes for ourselves, we prioritize the taste and marketability of the bunches and berries. We'll categorize the varieties by use, highlight the most cold-resistant (non-covered) varieties, and devote some attention to ornamental grapes.

Varieties that do not require winter cover

To simplify the cultivation process, winegrowers primarily seek out unprotected varieties that can be protected only until the bush is fully established. The plant reveals its full properties (resilience, immunity) once fruiting begins.

The maximum freezing temperature in the Moscow region is 21°C, rarely 25°C. Much depends on the region. Analyze the weather in your region, consider the lowest temperatures for 5-6 years, and start choosing. We'll suggest the best uncovered grape varieties for the Moscow region.

Variety	Description
Alyoshkin	The period from bud break to ripening takes up to 130 days. The clusters are cone-shaped, large, and branched, ranging from 700 grams to 2.5 kilograms. The berries are oval, 3 to 5 grams in size, amber-colored, sweet, and juicy. They have few or no seeds. This variety is easy to grow, withstanding frosts down to -26 degrees Celsius (-80 degrees Fahrenheit), but requires protection from diseases. It is used as a table grape. Under favorable conditions, up to 25 kilograms of fruit can be harvested from a single bush in the third year.
Alpha	The ripening period is mid-late (around 150 days). The clusters are cylindrical, medium-sized, and dense. The berries are round, medium-sized, bluish-red when ripe, and black with a red tint when fully ripe. One bush produces up to 10 kilograms of fruit. The variety tolerates frosts down to -35°C (-95°F) without loss, and is resistant to fungi and pests, though it has weak immunity to chlorosis.
Buffalo	A mid-early variety, the grapes are harvested in mid-September in the Moscow region. Buffalo grapes are frost-hardy down to -28–30°C and are resistant to powdery mildew and gray mold. The bunches are cone-shaped, dense, and small. The berries are dark blue, round-oval, and sweet and tart with hints of wild pear. Buffalo grapes are most often used to make juices and wines.
Victoria	It takes 130 days from the beginning of flowering to harvesting the ripe clusters. Victoria tolerates transportation well, withstands frosts down to -26°C (-80°F), and is disease-resistant. During the ripening period, the bushes are often attacked by wasps. Ripe fruits do not fall off for a long time. Clusters range from 500 grams to a kilogram and are loose. The berries are oval, weighing 6-7 grams, and are dark pink. When fully ripe, the flavor is sweet, rich, and muscat-like.
Valiant	Full ripening occurs in late August. It is frost-resistant to 45°C (113°F) and has good disease resistance. The clusters are small and very dense. The berries are small and round (somewhat deformed due to their close arrangement within the cluster). The color is blue-black, the skin does not separate from the pulp, and the seeds are large. The flavor is very pleasant, with hints of strawberry, and the sugar content is up to 20%. Valiant is used for winemaking, but many winegrowers consider it a table grape.
Kuderka	This undemanding, low-maintenance variety tolerates temperatures down to -30°C (-86°F). A mature bush produces approximately 100 kilograms of wine-grade berries per year. Kuderka ripens in mid- to late September. It is resistant to fungal diseases but is susceptible to phylloxera. The clusters are cylindrical or conical, weighing no more than 300 grams and medium firmness. The berries are medium-sized, round, blue-black, juicy, and sweet, with numerous seeds. Sugar is not added to the juice during winemaking; the finished product has a rich, dark cherry color and a slightly tart, very pleasant taste.
Lydia	The harvest begins 155 days after bud swelling. Lydia tolerates temperatures down to 26 degrees Celsius, tolerates excess moisture, and has good resistance to fungus. The fruits hold their shape for a long time, and the riper they are, the more pleasant their flavor. Yields reach up to 42 kilograms per mature bush. The clusters weigh up to 100 grams and are loose. The berries are oval-round, dark red or pinkish-purple. The flavor is pleasantly sweet with hints of strawberry.
Sovering Tiara	An extremely early variety, fully ripening in mid-August. The bush can withstand temperatures down to -30°C. It produces a high yield and is suitable for table grapes. The clusters weigh up to 200 grams and are densely packed on the vine. The berries are oval-round, white, and have a pleasant, sweet-tart flavor.
Phenomenon	The ripening period is extended, beginning in mid-August and ending in the second half of September. The vine can withstand temperatures down to -24°C. Yields are high, with commercial vineyards yielding up to 140 centners of berries per hectare. The clusters are large (from 500 grams to a kilogram), cone-shaped, and fairly dense. The berries are table grapes, oval, large, and white with a yellow tint. The flavor is pleasant, sweet and sour, with a sugar content of up to 22%.
Jupiter	The period from flowering to harvest takes only 120 days. Resistance to fungal diseases is good, and Jupiter tolerates frosts down to -27°C (80°F). It is versatile in its uses (wine, juices, compotes, drying, and freezing). The clusters are cylindrical or conical, weighing 300–500 grams, sometimes up to 2 kilograms. The berries are elongated, oval, weighing 4–7 grams, dark red when ripe, turning purple when fully ripe. The flavor is sweet with slightly muted notes of Muscat.

Attention!

Avoid purchasing uncovered grape seedlings at spontaneous markets; instead, buy from local nurseries or reputable winegrowers.

For the first two years, the uncovered grape bush is completely covered. After fruiting begins, one branch can be left open for the winter, and in the spring Check the results. If the buds have survived the winter well and the bush is fully established, there is no need for further covering.

Table varieties

If you're choosing grapes for eating or selling, consider the best table grape varieties. They produce beautiful clusters and tasty, long-lasting berries. Under the right conditions, they can be stored for 2 to 3 months.

Variety	Description
Asma	The bunches weigh up to 400 grams, the berries are large, ovoid, and dark purple, with few seeds (up to two seeds per berry). The pulp is fleshy and juicy, with a sweet and sour flavor. Asma grapes are easy to transport and keep well, with a late ripening period of 160 days from flowering to harvest.
Agadai	The clusters are large, conical or cylindrical-conical. The berries are large, elongated-oval, emerald green with a golden blush from the sun. The flesh is firm, slightly juicy, and the flavor is ordinary, slightly tart. The seeds are large (3-5 per berry). From bud break to harvest, 138-160 days pass. Agadai has excellent transportability and shelf life.
Isabella (late)	The clusters weigh up to 150 grams, and the berries are dark purple, sweet, and aromatic. They have a shelf life of almost two months, without spoiling or losing their strawberry flavor.
Cardinal	The clusters weigh up to 600 grams, are cylindrical, sometimes conical, and loose. The berries are juicy, fleshy, large, oval, and purple with a reddish tint. The flavor is pleasant with a subtle muscat aroma. The period from bud swelling to harvest is 121 days. The variety tolerates transportation and long-term storage well.
Gorgeous	Early ripening. The berries are juicy, fleshy, and delicious, dark pink, elongated, weighing 5 to 8 grams. The average bunch weight is 350 grams. They have excellent shelf life and transportability.
Queen of the Vineyards	The cluster weighs up to 450 grams, is cylindrical-conical, and loose. The berries are large, dense, oval, and amber-colored with a golden hue. The flavor is excellent with a subtle muscat aroma. The period from bud swelling to harvesting takes 110 days. High humidity can cause the berries to crack and rot. The harvested grapes do not have a long shelf life.
Early Magarach	Early ripening (120 days). Clusters up to 500 grams, conical or broadly conical. Berries are oval, large, dark blue, juicy and fleshy, with a pleasant flavor. Storage and transportability are poor.
Odessa early	The clusters are cylindrical-conical, up to 300 grams, and dense. The berries are not very large, round, and light green with a yellowish tint. The flesh is juicy, sweet and sour, with a muscat aroma. The period from bud break to ripening is 115 days. Odessa Early grapes are not very transportable, with average shelf life.
Timur	The harvest begins 105-115 days after bud swelling. Clusters weigh up to 700 grams, are cylindrical-conical, and moderately loose. Berries are 6-8 grams each, oval with a pointed tip, and white with a golden tan in the sun. The flesh is firm, tasty, and has a muscat aroma. They have excellent shelf life and transportability.

Attention!

The harvested fruit should be stored in a cool room or refrigerated. The bunches are placed in a single layer in a container. During storage, the berries are inspected and any spoiled ones are removed.

Most often, the berries of the grape varieties described are eaten fresh, without heat or other processing. However, some can be used to make wine, various desserts, juices, compotes, and fruit and berry platters.

Technical varieties

The best wine grape varieties for growing in the Moscow region are Isabella, Alegota, and Muscat. They require careful care and are challenging to grow, but your efforts will certainly be rewarded with high yields. There are other equally attractive options.

Variety	Description
Amur	This variety ripens mid-season. Clusters weigh up to 200 grams, are cylindrical-conical, and dense. The berries are medium-sized, juicy, and sweet, round, and dark blue. They are highly disease-resistant, and can withstand temperatures down to -40 degrees Celsius.
Harmony	The clusters are conical, medium in size and density. The berries are round, black-blue, juicy, and delicious. They ripen 140 days after bud break. The bush is frost-resistant to -25°C (-77°F). The wine has a ruby color.
Crystal	The clusters are harvested 120 days after bud swelling. The clusters weigh up to 300 grams, are cylindrical-conical, and loose. The berries are oval, yellow-green, juicy, and have a balanced flavor (18% sugar, up to 7 grams of acid per liter of juice). Kristall is frost-resistant to -29°C (83°F) and resistant to fungal diseases.
Marshal Foch	The ripening period is medium. The clusters are medium-sized, with small, blue, and round berries. The yield is average. Marshal Foch is attractive to birds. It is frost-hardy to 29°C (83°F) and has good resistance to fungi. The wine is brightly colored and delicious.
Northern Saperavi	The clusters weigh up to 200 grams, are conical with distinct wings, branched, and loose. The berries are small, oval, dark blue, and juicy. The juice is thick and raspberry-colored. The period from bud break to harvest is 141 days. Fungus resistance is above average. Winter hardiness is excellent, but early bud break can be damaged by recurrent frosts. Young wine can have a tart, herbaceous flavor.

Wine grapes should not be harvested at technical ripeness; they are harvested only after the bunches are at least 90% ripe. The berries must have acquired sugar and fully developed flavor and aroma. Wine made from underripe berries will taste mediocre, and in some cases, unpleasant (due to disrupted fermentation).

Ornamental varieties

When designing a recreation area at your dacha or near your home, planting grapes is an excellent solution. This way, you'll combine business with pleasure, as we're talking about edible grapes, not wild ones. Varieties with beautiful vines, decorative foliage, and graceful clusters include Platovsky, Kristall, and Saperavi Severny.

For open ground

All the varieties described can be safely planted outdoors. However, gardeners accustomed to growing grapes exclusively in greenhouses fear that their favorite variety won't thrive outdoors in a harsh climate. We can confidently say that varieties such as Summer Muscat, Victoria, Shunya, and Nadezhda Aksayskaya will definitely not disappoint.

Grape variety ratings for the Moscow region

In creating our ranking of the best and most reliable grape varieties for the Moscow region, we drew on the experience of winegrowers from various regions. We considered not only reviews from summer residents but also feedback from employees of large vineyards located in the region.

Top 5 best varieties, according to professionals	The choice of amateur winegrowers
Victoria	Radiant Kishmish
Alyoshkin or No. 328	Novocherkassk Anniversary
Laura or Flora	Beauty of the North
Nadezhda Aksayskaya	Christina
Super Extra	Tason

Beginners should rely on the experience of experienced winegrowers. If you can't find the best option on your own, be sure to consult with nursery salespeople. In addition to the characteristics of a particular variety, you'll receive detailed information about the plant's preferences and growing nuances.

Tips for novice winegrowers

What grapes to plant in the Moscow region

We've identified which grape varieties can be planted in the Moscow region, now we'll briefly explain where to plant them. We'll also offer some helpful tips for those who haven't yet considered growing grapes:

Grapes should only be planted in elevated areas or on slopes in sunny locations. In most areas of the Moscow region, the groundwater table is quite high. If you plan to plant grapes in a lowland, build a raised bed, provide reliable drainage, and water only when absolutely necessary.
The optimal soil is sandy loam; it warms up quickly in the spring and cools gradually in the fall, allowing the vineyard to properly prepare for winter. Black soil is also suitable;
Be careful with nitrogen-containing fertilizers, or better yet, avoid them altogether. Such fertilizers stimulate the growth of vines, which do not have time to mature before the onset of frost. This increases the risk of partial, or in extreme cases, complete, freezing of the bush.
Excessively dense growth of shoots of technical grape varieties leads to a decrease in yield and winter hardiness, so they must be cut off;
Varieties with low frost resistance don't necessarily need to be planted in a greenhouse; reliable winter cover and protection during dangerous periods (recurrent frosts) are sufficient. Before wintering, shoots are bent to the ground, covered with garden film or thick plastic, the edges of the fabric are pressed to the ground with stones, and the fabric is covered with a thick layer of sawdust.
To boost grapevine immunity to the Moscow region's climate, the vines are periodically sprayed with Mizorin. It increases drought and frost resistance, accelerates the ripening process, improves yield, and protects against rot.

Attention!

When covering grapes, avoid using fallen leaves, as they can carry fungal spores and other diseases. Avoid using leaves, even if you collected them from your own garden.

Before purchasing, be sure to check forums for the preferences of your chosen variety. You'll find recommendations regarding fertilizers, cultivation, and pruning. If you follow proper agricultural practices, grow grapes in the Moscow region – no problem! Choose the right varieties and enjoy your favorite berries.

Reviews

Inna

Planting grapes in the Moscow region is a thankless task—a lot of hassle, and the yields are poor. That's how it used to be! Now it's a matter of choice. My first attempt was Jupiter, then Crystal, and my third was Krasa Severa. They're all growing well, ripening on time, with fully ripened clusters. My vines are already mature, and I don't need to cover any of them for the winter.

Valery

In the Moscow region, it's best to plant grapes in the spring (after the last frost) so the seedlings can more or less establish themselves before fall. I've been growing Northern Saperavi for about nine years now; I've grown it around my arbor; it's absolutely beautiful. I'm currently looking for another variety, considering some table grapes. Preventative treatments are essential; I spray twice before flowering, in midsummer, and after harvest.