Concord is the iconic American slip-skin grape, a Vitis labrusca cultivar developed by Ephraim Wales Bull in Concord, Massachusetts, and introduced in 1854. Selected from wild native seedlings, it is exceptionally cold hardy and disease tolerant, thriving where Vitis vinifera fails. Concord is the grape behind classic grape juice, jelly, and traditional American grape flavor, and is also used for kosher and sweet wines. The vigorous vine produces medium blue-black berries with a heavy bloom and a tough skin that slips easily from the pulp. It ripens mid to late season and tolerates cold winters down to USDA zone 4. Because it is self-fertile, productive, and low maintenance, it remains a favorite backyard grape across the eastern and midwestern United States.
Flavor Profile
Bold, sweet-tart foxy flavor with a pronounced musky aroma; the definitive grape-juice and jelly taste.
Visual Characteristics
Compact clusters of round blue-black berries covered in a silvery bloom, with skins that slip from the green pulp.
Growing Tips
Very cold hardy and disease tolerant; prune hard each year and give a sturdy trellis for its vigorous canes.
Resistance Information
Disease Resistance
Good tolerance to many fungal diseases that affect vinifera grapes
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.