Swenson Red

{{Short description|Variety of grape}}

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The Swenson Red is a firm, meaty red table grape with a unique fruity flavor with strawberry notes. This was the first grape released from the breeding efforts of Elmer Swenson, and is a favorite among grape breeders and hobbyists.{{cite web|author=Lon Rombough|url=http://www.bunchgrapes.com/swenson_red_grapes.html|title=Swenson Red}} Though it is known as a red, its actual color changes depending on climate. In cooler areas it will be blue, and in very warm areas it will be a translucent green. This is because many pigments inherited from Vitis vinifera only set during relatively cool weather.

Swenson Red is one of many successful cold-hardy grape crosses involving the parent Minnesota 78. The pollinator parent for the cross is Seibel 11803 (Rubiland). Swenson Red has a female sibling named ES417 which has very similar characteristics and is a likely candidate for further breeding.