The possibilities of grape growing in Finland

Wine growing has been experimented with in Finland for several decades. However, there isn't compiled information on which grape varieties thrive in Finland's climate and manage to produce ripe grapes. This project looks into the most promising grapevine varieties for wine production as well as for fresh eating. The cultivation characteristics and success of the varieties are monitored through collaboration between farmers and schools on existing farms, both outdoors and in tunnels. With rising energy costs, greenhouse space from vegetable production has become available, and its reuse for growing perennial grapevines is being evaluated. At Livia Vocational College’s Tuorla farm, greenhouse grape cultivation, its techniques, and costs are being piloted. The project produces sample cost calculations for starting a commercial vineyard, both outdoors and in greenhouses. The success of different varieties and the success of cultivation are monitored on farms through observations related to growth and development patterns (phenology), as well as harvest readiness, along with weather data monitoring over three growing seasons. Controlled frost tests provide information on the winter hardiness of the varieties. Finland may possibly become a wine-producing country, which opens up new opportunities for product development and business. The project looks at these opportunities as well as the impact of wine-producing country status on nursery material legislation. The project increases the range of the value chain and expertise related to wine growing, as well as collaboration in Finland. The project is carried out in cooperation with the Natural Resources Institute Finland, Livia Vocational College, and the Finnish Wine Growers Association. The project period is 1.5.2026–31.12.2028.