Growwine Members Biographies

Mark Hart is the owner of Mt. Ashwabay Vineyard and Orchard (MAVO) in Bayfield, Wisconsin, started in 1995. The owner previously had a smaller vineyard in west-central Minnesota. The vineyard is 10 acres in size and has a south and south-west exposure on about a 10% slope overlooking Lake Superior. The site has a very sandy, low vigor soil.

Extreme winter minimum temperatures at the site can reach -33 C, but a lake effect brings dependable snow cover. Summer heat accumulation is low averaging about 1050 C base 10C. MAVO is a research and pre-commercial vineyard. Research primarily involves variety trials and a breeding program for early maturing, hardy grapes. Currently there are over 3000 vines of a great many varieties and selections. There are more than an additional 700 seedlings from the breeding program. Only 1/3 of the vineyard area is currently planted. Future plantings will include an expansion for commercial wine grape production and additional seedlings.

Mark, seen to the right with Elmer Swenson, also serves as the publications' editor for the
Minnesota Grape Growers Association

For more information you can Email Mark Hart
Bayfield, Wisconsin, USA

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