TRACING  THE EVOLUTION OF FRENCH HYBRIDS FOR WINE PRODUCTION IN THE EASTERN UNITED STATES 

              The early  colonists who settled in this country came here with a fairly sophisticated wine  palate  based on wines made from the vitis vinifera (aka European) grapes.   These  folks included the British, Spanish, the Huguenot Protestants of France, etc.   Even the Puritans who landed in New England, strange is it may seem, had a love of wine.  When the colonists landed, they were quite surprised but pleased at the proliferation of sizeable grapes all along the East Coast.  These will be referred to as native American grapes.   Although large and succulent, these native American grapes did not make the style of wine that the colonists were familiar with in the old country.  They had a “foxy“ aroma and taste which were not pleasing to their senses.

              The colonists then tried to transplant some vitis vinifera vines which they imported from the old country.  This was a failure no matter where they were planted.  Even Thomas Jefferson gave up after 10 years of trying.  In the late 1800’s, some French  growers  imported some native American vines into France in with the hope that they could improve upon the “foxy“ character of these grapes.  Something then happened  which changed the wine world forever.  The vitis vinifera vines started to die off in Europe.  In 10 years, France lost 80% of their vines.  The problem spread to the rest of Western Europe.  The corrective solutions to this devastating problem, after many years of effort, while putting Europe back on track, also explained the failure of vitis vinifera vines to grow in the U.S.

           This evening’s presentation will review both the cause and solutions to this problem and will focus on one of the solutions which involved the development of French hybrid grapes.  During your wine tasting this evening, you will taste some wines which are made from both vitis vinifera and French hybrid grapes.

Education:    B.S., Kent State University

                         Ph.D., in Chemistry, University of Connecticut

           Dr. Patterson spent three years in Europe with the DuPont Company traveling extensively in the wine countries of Western Europe. He retired as Market Development Manager for DuPont Electronics.  He is the Founder and Director of Tradewines, Inc., a firm that develops and presents customized wine seminars and/or wine tastings at local companies, clubs, social organizations, etc. using wines from around the world.   Dr. Patterson has developed wine and art tours of Europe and has worked with a broad customer base to develop matching food and wine menus.  He has presented seminars for several universities and industrial research groups covering a variety of technical topics dealing with the chemistry of wine.  Dr. Patterson is currently an adjunct faculty member at Wilmington University teaching a one semester course for college credit titled: Introduction to the World of Wines.  He is member and instructor for the French Wine Society in Washington D.C. As an instructor for this Society, he lectures and  carries out tastings of   French Wines as well as French Cheeses  Dr. Patterson is currently a wine judge in the Virginia wine in industry, judging Virginia wines that are entered each year for the Governor’s Cup. 

The event is free for Sponsors (and one guest) and Patrons.  For all other members and guests of members, the price is $20 per person. 

This event takes place at:
Chaddsford Winery
632 Baltimore Pike
Chaddsford, PA 19317
Tel: 610-388-6221

Event Fees are Non-Refundable.