Genetic studies have shown the Norton grape and the Cynthiana grape to be indistinguishable, although they were long considered separate varieties. Because some evidence indicates differences in wine quality and season of ripening, Cynthiana may be a mutation of the original Nortion.

Norton is the official grape of the State of Missouri; in Arkansas, it's usually called Cynthiana. It has been commercially available since 1830. and is grown throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic States.

Norton takes its name from Dr. Daniel Norborne Norton, who first cultivated it in Richmond, Virginia.

Because Norton/Cynthiana grapes result in a rich, full-bodied dry Red wine similar in character to Cabernet Sauvignon, it is sometimes referred to as ‘The Cabernet of the Ozarks.’

Few species of grapes produce adequate natural sugar, in most years, to be made into a traditional dry wine. Among the two dozen or so grape species native to North America, only the Norton has proved capable of producing award- winning dry wines.