Successful Vineyard Grapes

You might be under the impression that the only place suitable for growing grapes in this country is California. The truth is there are many areas of the country where you can have a thriving vineyard. Grape vines are surprisingly adaptable, but very few people know or understand this fact. They can adapt to nearly any climate; of course, extremely cold areas will call for a few precautions.

The first thing you must do is determine which type of grape you will grow. This will be largely dependent upon the geographical location of your vineyard. Would you believe there are over 5,000 different types of grapes you could grow and how they taste will depend upon your location. Believe it or not grapes grown in Texas will have a different flavor than those grown in California even if they are the exact same seed. Talk to your local nursery or check the information online about which variety of grape will grow and thrive in your area.

Not only will you need to choose your grapes based on your location and taste preference you will also have to consider the growing season. It is safe to say that New York has a much shorter growing season than say Arizona. Another decision you will have to make is whether you are growing grapes for wine or human consumption. Each of these types will do well in different locations. As a rule grapes for eating purposes do not do as well in cold regions, the skin of the fruit is thin and delicate. On the other hand, grapes for wine tend to have a much thicker skin, which leaves them well equipped to do their job. Different color distinctions may also grow better one place than another, so whether you want white or red grapes you should ask around about which will grow the best in your area.

There are many uses for grapes including wine and several others, around 70% of the grapes produced end up in the wine making process while the other 30% are sold in the supermarket. Grapes are used as fruit, naturally, but also in jams, jelly and grape seed extract. This adds another element to the decision making process, where you live and your climate play a role in determining which grapes you grow but so does the purpose you have for them. The United States has many vineyards as do other countries, and again where the grapes are grown will affect their flavor, but nearly all areas result in good wine.

Essentially any grape is a perfect grape for growing however; you will have better success if you will stick with the ones that grow well in your geographic region. If you want them to grow to their full potential and remain healthy, plant them so that they receive maximum sun exposure and where the vines can get plenty of airflow. You may only want a few vines as a decorative touch for the yard; many people find an arching trellis covered in grape vine fits well with their landscaping.


------

Nathan Jones is the owner of Grape Growing School and co-wrote this article with grape growing expert Patrick Beaufort. For growing grapes in your own backyard we have a proven grape growing system at http://www.grapegrowingschool.com.