Like many of the grape varieties that we grow in Vermont, Farnsworth was developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota. These plant breeders cross cultivars from Europe with those native to North America, combining the high quality winemaking characteristics of the former with the cold hardiness and disease resistance of the latter.

A couple decades ago, the University sent cuttings of an experimental variety to Lincoln Peak to see how it would grow in Vermont. Chris was a big fan and decided to propagate the vines himself, expanding the planting to multiple acres over the next few years. In the meantime, the researchers gave up on the variety and never released it to the public. Lincoln Peak was left with the only commercial planting in the world and, naturally, the naming rights.

The Granstroms named the variety after the Farnsworth family who farmed the land that became Lincoln Peak Vineyard from 1816 to 1919. Never would they have imagined that unique wine grapes would one day grow on their hill.

Farnsworth produces a dark, robust wine with smooth tannins and pronounced spice. From the cooler 2022 vintage, look for aromas and flavors of dried fig, green olive, fresh raspberry, hazelnuts, and white peppercorn. Get your nose in a glass of this one-of-a-kind beauty at our Tasting Room or online.