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! Winegrowers everywhere are faced with the harsh realities of a changing climate, buffeted by innovative challengers, and disheartened by a growing feeling that the wine industry has lost its way. At the same time, discerning consumers facing a sea of sameness are seeking out new and exciting wines crafted by artisans with a passionate focus on creating wines of exceptional quality, purity, and authenticity of place. Perhaps never 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 natural 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 nearly twenty-five years ago around a shared love of wine. After several years of experimenting with growing our own wine grapes, we realized that the path to a sustainable wine culture in our native Northeast Ohio would require a long-term commitment to develop new grape varieties adapted to the region's extremes of climate. Taking the plunge into classical wine grape breeding, we focused our learning and efforts on the creation of new and exciting varieties that would make a lasting mark on the wine industry in our home region and beyond. Our journey started in the broad backyard of the cul-de-sac lot of our home in Kent, Ohio where the first of our new varieties were born to become the foundation and inspiration of our ongoing efforts. The space requirements for breeding grapevines quickly caught up with us and we took a leap of faith in 2010 by expanding our operation with the purchase of a 27-acre property on the northern glacial ridge of Ohio's premier wine region, the beautiful Grand River Valley AVA. Nestled between Lake Erie and the Grand River, our research vineyard is home to hundreds of our grape varieties that exist nowhere else on earth, each requiring meticulous observation. In the cellar we make tiny lots of experimental wine, listening intently to hear what each new variety wants to be. We look forward to opening a one-of-a-kind boutique estate winery on our Grand River Valley site where it will be our pleasure to introduce you to what will be among the rarest wines in the world, iconic wines born to ignite a passionate renaissance in American wine culture made from new grape varieties both inspired by and born in the soil where they stand!
Aaron & Holly Puhala
Vineyard Innovations Co-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