If Grapes Freeze on the Vine Are They Still Edible?

Ice wines are produced from grapes frozen on the vines.

Ice wines are produced from grapes frozen on the vines.

Growing grapes (Vitis vinifera) is relatively easy, but an early frost can catch you unaware and freeze your grapes on the vine. While you can pick your frosty or frozen grapes, they should be washed and stored or eaten quickly to avoid spoiling. Frozen grapes may be kept in the freezer for up to six months or enjoyed as a rare treat on the day they're picked.

Grapevine Hardiness

Grapes vary in hardiness, depending on the species. The classic European wine grape such as "Cabernet Sauvignon" (Vitus vinifera "Cabernet Sauvignon") is grown in Mediterranean climates such as those found in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. The native North American varieties such as the "Concord" grape (Vitis labrusca "Concord") are more cold tolerant, thriving in USDA zones 4 through 8. Hybrids of these two species of grapes are grown in backyards across the United States.

Ice Wine

Generally, home gardeners prefer to pick their grapes when they ripen and before the first frost. In some vineyards, however, the grapes are deliberately left on the vines for at least 24 hours at 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Then the frozen grapes are picked and crushed to make a sweet dessert wine called "ice wine." If the weather is uncooperative, a few vineyards freeze the late-harvest grapes to produce the same concentration of juice and flavor when making their signature ice wines.

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