Grapevine (Vitis spp.) GUNA

Grapevine (Vitis spp.) 'Guna'

An exceptionally frost-hardy northern variety with attractive dark berries and very early ripening.

The 'Guna' variety is a cornerstone of Latvian viticulture. A sister variety to the well-known 'Sukribe' and 'Supaga', it distinguishes itself with its beautiful dark berry coloration and outstanding frost resistance. Specifically bred for the harsh conditions of Northern Europe where traditional varieties fail, its vigor and early maturity make it an ideal choice for gardeners in marginal areas looking for a reliable and tasty vine.

Main advantages of the variety:

• High frost hardiness: Safely withstands temperatures down to -25 °C (-13 °F), suitable for cultivation without winter protection.
• Very early ripening: Ripens reliably even in regions with short and cooler summers.
• Attractive fruit: Larger berries (approx. 5g) with an unusual dark reddish-brown color.
• Sweet taste: A delicious dessert grape with pleasant aromatics.
• Strong growth and excellent wood ripening.

Origin and Registration

• Origin: Latvia (Dviete). Breeder: Pauls Sukatnieks.
• Crossing and Registration: An interspecific hybrid of the European variety 'Madeleine Angevine' and the North American 'Dvietes Zilā'. Officially registered in Latvia in 2000 and subsequently in Sweden.

Variety Characteristics

Vine / Shrub

• Vigor: Very strong and vital. Shoots ripen exceptionally well in autumn, enhancing their winter resilience.
• Flowers: This variety has functionally female flowers (it does not produce its own pollen).
• Pollination: Since it is not self-fertile, it is essential to plant another variety nearby with hermaphrodite flowers that bloom at the same time (e.g., 'Zilga', 'Spulga', or other common varieties) to serve as a pollinator.

Bunches and Berries

• Bunches: Medium-sized (100 - 200 g), dense and compact.
• Berries: Quite large for a northern variety (approx. 5 g), round in shape.
• Color and Taste: Berries have a unique dark red-brown color covered with a waxy coating. The flesh is juicy and sweet, with a subtle aroma typical of American varieties (labrusca).
• Seeds: Berries contain 1 to 2 seeds.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Very high resistance, withstanding freezes down to -25 °C (-13 °F). In temperate climates, it is considered fully hardy without the need for winter covering.
• Diseases: Shows medium resistance to downy and powdery mildew. Basic preventive protection is recommended in years with high disease pressure.
• Climate: Perfectly adapted to areas with a low active temperature sum and a shorter growing season.

Cultivation Recommendations

• Important Planting Note: To ensure a successful harvest, never plant 'Guna' as a standalone vine. It must always have a neighbor—a self-fertile grapevine—to provide pollen for fertilization.

Harvest and Yield

• Harvest Time: Early variety, ripening during September (depending on the location).
• Yield: Potentially good to high, provided successful cross-pollination occurs.