Introduction

The foundations of this book have been a long time developing. The ideas we present in this book come from our direct grape growing and winemaking experience, from research papers, correspondence with experts around the world, and visits to vineyards and wineries in ten U.S. states and eight countries. We have synthesized the existing research literature and related it to grape growing and winemaking problems specific to extreme northern regions. We have supplemented it where necessary with our personal observations and experiences or those of our colleagues. The product, we believe, is a practical book that tells what to do and explains why it works.