Welcome to Viticulture research in the Lake Erie Grape Production Region.

Along Lake Erie's Southeast shoreline, the land in New York and Pennsylvania quickly rises over 700 feet to the Allegheny Plateau. Sandwiched between the temperature moderating waters of Lake Erie and the 700 foot earthen wall sits a narrow band of land ideal for agricultural fruit production in the Northeastern, U.S. Although also home to the production of peaches, cherries, apples, blueberries, and other fruit crops, agriculture in the region is dominated by grape production with Concord as the main variety. Viticulture research at the Cornell Vineyard Laboratory focuses on improving grape production in this unique region.

For an interesting overview of the Lake Erie grape belt, watch the video, "Savor the Flavor: Romancing America's Grape" by the Lake Erie Concord Grape Belt Heritage Association

If you have any questions or suggestions on the contents of the site, please email me.

Viticulture as Plant Biology:
Grape growing in the Northeastern, U.S. can have unique challenges for vine productivity and fruit quality. Climatic and soil influences on temperature and available sunlight, water, and mineral nutrients affect vine growth and productivity. Therefore, one aspect of my research focuses on understanding the effects of environmental factors, such as mineral nutrient availability, on vine size, yield, and fruit maturation.