The Norton grape, also called Cynthiana, is a native American red wine grape (V. labruscana × V. aestivalis) believed to have originated in Virginia. It is the state grape of Missouri. This Norton grapevine is grafted onto 101-14 rootstock, which helps an otherwise slow-to-establish variety root in and grow more evenly. Its small, firm black berries make a rich, full-bodied, deeply colored red with high acidity and outstanding aging potential.

Norton's strength is its toughness in hot, humid climates where vinifera struggles. The Norton Cynthiana grape has good natural resistance to black rot, powdery mildew and botrytis, and it is only moderately susceptible to downy mildew. Vines are vigorous, trailing and self-fertile, grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8, and are widely planted across the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

For care, plant Norton 6 to 8 feet apart on a Top Wire Cordon and give the vines room for their heavy canopy. Norton ripens very late and needs a warm, long season to reach full maturity, so choose a sunny site. The variety is highly sensitive to sulfur, so use other fungicides when needed.

• Hardiness Zone 4
• Hardiness Zone 5
• Hardiness Zone 6
• Hardiness Zone 7
• Hardiness Zone 8
• Certified Availability 2020
• Wine
• 101-14 Rootstock
• Grafted Hybrids
• 1103P Rootstock

USDA Hardiness Zones categorize regions by average winter temperatures, guiding growers to choose plants suited for their climate. Learn More

Top Wire Cordon is arguably the most efficient training system for grapes, especially for procumbent or downward growing cultivators, especially those not prone to late season fruit rots due to shading of the fruiting zone. Summer labor is much less than that required with Vertical Shoot Positioned (VSP) training as shoot positioning and leaf pulling are generally not required. Learn More

To learn more about the types of diseases susceptibile on our plants, click here.