VINEYARD INNOVATIONS
WELCOME TO A NEW WORLD OF WINE!
Welcome to a New World of Wine!
There is a quiet revolution happening in the world of wine. Growers everywhere are facing the realities of a changing climate and considering replacing their established wine grape varieties with others that are more suited to the challenges of modern viticulture. At the same time, consumers facing a sea of sameness are seeking out new and exciting wines crafted by artisans with a passionate focus on creating quality wines with authenticity of place. Perhaps never before has the table been set more perfectly for the emergence of new grape varieties that answer the needs and desires of both winegrower and consumer. At Vineyard Innovations we create new wine grape varieties having resistance to the extremes of climate and disease pressure that are perfectly suited to sustainable, organic and biodynamic viticultural practices. Exciting aroma and flavor combinations are paving the way for the emergence of iconic wines that will open the door to the exploration of new terroirs that today are unreachable!
Welcome to a New World of Wine!
Our Story
We founded Vineyard Innovations as the public face of a "great adventure" that began over twenty years ago around a shared love of wine discovered early in our married life. We began breeding wine grapes and founded Vineyard Innovations with the goal of creating new and exciting varieties that would make a lasting mark on the wine industry in our home region of Northeast Ohio. Our journey started in the backyard of our cul-de-sac lot of our home in Kent, Ohio where we developed several new varieties that became the foundation and inspiration of our future efforts. The space requirements for breeding grapevines quickly caught up with us so we took a leap of faith in 2010 and expanded our operation with the purchase of a vineyard property on a glacial ridge in Ohio's premier AVA, the beautiful Grand River Valley nestled between Lake Erie and the Grand River. Today our GRV site is home to hundreds of our grape varieties that exist nowhere else on Earth. Each new variety requires meticulous observation and care both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Every year we ferment small lots of experimental wine, listening intently to what each variety is telling us about the kind of wine it wants to be. As we envision the future, we look forward to the construction of a one of a kind boutique winery on our Grand River Valley site where it will be our pleasure to some of the rarest wines in the world made from grapes that were both inspired by and born in the soil where they stand!
Aaron & Holly Puhala
Founders
Our Work & Passion
Our Values
We strive to run our business in the footsteps and guidance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We recognize the providential hand of our Heavenly Father in the establishment of Vineyard Innovations and we are thankful for the blessings that have been provided to our family and the privilege we have of working so closely with His wondrous creation!
Regional Collaboration
Vineyard Innovations is partnering with winegrowers and wineries who are passionate about making an impact in their region. Collaborators gain access to proprietary wine grape varieties from Vineyard Innovations for vineyard trials. For those looking for a new wine grape variety to call their own, we also offer bespoke variety development.
The benefits of new varieties from Vineyard Innovations:
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Improved disease resistance to support organic, sustainable and biodynamic viticulture
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Novel aromatics and flavors to create new market opportunities
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Improved color and chemistry for stylistic differentiation
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Improved cold hardiness to prevent catastrophic loss and allow exploration of new terroirs!
If you are a winegrower or winery with a desire to introduce new and exciting wines in your region using, we would be delighted to discuss how we can work together to advance your regional vision!
Winegrowers, wineries and wine-lovers, we want to hear from you!
+1 330.968.9679