Mississippi’s sultry climate makes it almost impossible to grow vinifera vines or even hybrids. To adapt to this climatic challenge, grapegrowers have turned to Muscadine grapes, which thrive in the state’s hot, humid lowlands and are widely cultivated. The sweet, highly-productive fruit is commonly used for juice and jellies, as well as wine. Prohibition was not repealed statewide until 1966 and, in the tradition of the south, half of the jurisdictions remain dry to this day. It is an uphill battle for Mississippi wineries, which have faced one obstacle after another. Today, the state is home to only three dedicated wineries.