Baco Noir is a (red) grape varietal that is mainly produced in the USA and Canada. The variety was brought over – from France – in the early 1950s to cooler viticulture regions such as Ontario and New York among a handful of other states.

It originated with French grape experimenter Francois Baco, who crossed the Folle Blanche with an unknown varietal in the late 1800s. The hybrid – soon afterwards – was grown in Burgundy but not for long. It eventually left the Old World to find success in the New where it embraced the cooler climates. In Ontario, it begins growing (early) in the spring and ripens in early September.  

Baco Noir has a medium body yet can produce bold earthy wines. It is a staple in Ontario and can be found in many of Niagara’s wineries.