Elmer Swenson
Elmer Swenson ( December 12, 1913 - December 24, 2004 ) was an American oenologist and grapevine grower .
Life
Elmer Swenson was originally inspired by the work and publications of the botanist Thomas Volney Munson . The most important breeding goal of Swenson was to create frost-resistant varieties that are suitable for the climatic conditions of the northern Midwestern United States such as the states of Minnesota (→ viticulture in Minnesota ) and Wisconsin (→ viticulture in Wisconsin ).
In 1943, Swenson began his breeding program on the family's 48- acre ranch, which he inherited from maternal grandfather Larson. Larson passed away when Elmer was five years old. The ranch was near Osceola , Wisconsin. He often used French hybrid vines from the Seibel family for his breeding , which he crossed with selections from the native wild vines Vitis riparia . Very early on, he received some local varieties from the University of Minnesota , including the Minnesota 78 variety . This variety became one of the most important basic varieties in the Swenson factory.
He worked for the university from 1969 to 1979 but continued his own breeding program on the ranch.
Grape varieties bred by Elmer Swenson
Grape varieties included in the list of varieties:
Published with the University of Minnesota:
Other varieties that Swenson did not patent:
- Kandiyohi
- Sabrevois
- Norway Red
- Alpinglow
- Petit Jewel
- Prairie Star
- Louise Swenson
- Lorelei
- Trollhaugen
- Swenson White
- Summersweet
- Brianna
- Deslisle
- Montreal Blue (also called "St. Theresa" or "Flambeau")
- Aldemina
- Somerset Seedless
Web links
- Elmer History - Old Cultivars Presentation (PDF file; 632 kB, English)
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Swenson, Elmer |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American vine grower |
| DATE OF BIRTH | December 12, 1913 |
| DATE OF DEATH | December 24, 2004 |