US: Montana a New Wine Destination?
US: Montana a New Wine Destination?
Mar 11, 2011 6
Kalispell, Mont.—Of all the U.S. states bordering Canada, Montana tops only its eastern neighbor, North Dakota, in total wineries: 13 and eight respectively, according to WinesVinesDATA.
With abundant acreage, water and labor force, a highly educated, prosperous population and a long-established tourism industry, the Big Sky State seems to lack only a long growing season to establish itself within the wine industry. Barring major climate change, not much can be done about the growing season, but an ag-extension agent with a background in cold-climate viticulture is now working with the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce to explore possibilities to establish vineyards and wineries around scenic Flathead Lake.
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