Vitis rotundifolia ‘Cowart’ & ‘Hunt’

Status: Active
Location: Chesed Ranch Vineyard
Planted: 2026
Source: Ty Ty Nursery
Vine IDs: CR-GRP-003 (Cowart), CR-GRP-004 (Hunt)

The Muscadines That Started It All

While the bronze scuppernongs connect us to Southern tradition, Cowart and Hunt represent what many people think of when they hear the word muscadine.

Both varieties produce the dark purple fruit that generations of Southerners have picked from backyard trellises, fence rows, and family farms. Rich, sweet, and unmistakably muscadine, they are among the most recognized and respected cultivars available.

When planning the vineyard at Chesed Ranch, we knew we wanted both bronze and purple muscadines. The goal was not only to enjoy fresh fruit but also to provide options for juice, jelly, preserves, and future experimentation.

Cowart and Hunt were selected because they have stood the test of time and continue to be recommended throughout the Southeast for both productivity and flavor.

Quick Facts

Characteristic	Cowart	Hunt
Type	Muscadine	Muscadine
Pollination	Self-Fertile
Fruit Color	Dark Purple	Dark Purple
Harvest Season	August–September	August–September
Growth Habit	Vigorous Vine	Vigorous Vine
Disease Resistance	Excellent	Excellent
Chill Requirement	Low
Florida Adaptation	Excellent

Why We Chose Cowart & Hunt

Muscadines are one of the most reliable fruit crops available for North Florida, and we wanted a vineyard that represented both the bronze and purple sides of the muscadine family.

Cowart was selected because of its long-standing reputation as one of the premier self-fertile muscadines available. It is known for consistent production, excellent flavor, and its usefulness as a pollinator for nearby female varieties.

Hunt was added for its exceptional fruit quality and historical significance. Though an older cultivar, it remains highly regarded among muscadine enthusiasts and provides another excellent source of fresh fruit.

Together, these vines complement the Fry and Dixie scuppernongs while helping ensure strong pollination throughout the vineyard.

Vineyard Information

Item	Details
Planting Date	2026
Trellis System	Dedicated Wire Trellis
Mulch Type	Arborist Mulch
Irrigation	Drip
Soil Type	Amended Clay-Sand Mix
Mycorrhizae Applied	Yes
Training System	Single Wire Trellis

Location in Orchard

📍 Vineyard Trellis #2

Cowart and Hunt occupy a separate vineyard trellis from the Fry and Dixie scuppernongs, allowing each pair of vines room to develop without overcrowding while maintaining excellent airflow and sunlight exposure.

Annual Growth Log

2026

Planting Date: June 2026

Observations

Bare-root vines received and planted.
Trellis construction completed prior to planting.
Initial training focused on trunk development and establishment.
Strong early growth observed during establishment year.

Photos

(Insert planting photos)

Weather & Climate Summary

Season Metrics

Metric	Value
Chill Hours	TBD
GDD	TBD
Rainfall	TBD
Last Freeze	TBD
Peak Summer Temp	TBD

Performance at Chesed Ranch

Strengths

Exceptionally well adapted to North Florida
Excellent disease resistance
Reliable production potential
Strong pollination support for female muscadines
Excellent fresh eating quality
Suitable for juice, jelly, and preserves

Challenges

Requires annual pruning
Bird pressure can be significant near harvest
Trellis maintenance required
Vigorous growth requires training

Overall Assessment

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Among the most dependable fruit crops planted at Chesed Ranch and an important part of our long-term vision for a productive vineyard.

Looking Forward

The muscadine vineyard represents one of the most practical and sustainable fruit projects at Chesed Ranch.

While some of our orchard plantings push the boundaries of what can be grown in North Florida, muscadines thrive in exactly these conditions. Their ability to handle heat, humidity, insects, and disease pressure makes them one of the most reliable fruit crops available to Southern growers.

We expect Cowart and Hunt to become cornerstone vines within the vineyard and a dependable source of fruit for many years to come.

Muscadine Grapes