Grapes for Growing a Thriving Vineyard

Imagine this, around five thousand grape varieties exist in the world, including hybrids. With so many varieties to choose from, however can you pick the best grapes for growing a thriving vineyard? Here are some guidelines to help you pick the best variety for your grape growing venture.

If this is your first time to grow grapes, it is best to stick with a grape variety that is known for thriving in your area. You can ask your local agricultural department about this, or other vintners in the area. They would know what variety of grapes for successfully growing a grapevine you should start with. But if you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with grape varieties. The great thing about grapes is how naturally they can adapt to different conditions, even extreme climates.

Similar grape varieties can be planted in different parts of the world, but each would have its own unique taste due to the soil and weather conditions in the area. These conditions largely contribute to distinctive wine personalities. This is the reason why the wine you make from your homegrown grapes will always have its unique taste.

Generally, choosing the best grapes for growing in your area depends on how short or long your growing season is. To know your growing season, you just need to find out the average number of frost-free days in a year that your area has. For growers who live in areas with a short growing season, it is best to grow hybrids, which have been bred to grow in cooler climates and are also more resistant to diseases.

Among grape species, there is one that is specific for wine making, and that is the vitis vinifera. Ninety-nine percent of the world's wine is made from vitis vinifera grapes. In this species, there are red and white varieties, and both can be made into wine. A popular red grape variety is the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. The fruit it bears are small, round and black. It is grown in cool to hot climates, and its fruit ripens in late September to October. Other red grape varieties include Merlot, Syrah and Pinot Noir. For white grape varieties, the Chardonnay is popular choice. Its vine produces small, round grapes with green skin. It grows in cold to hot climates, and is typically harvested in late September through early October. Some other white grape varieties are Sylvaner, Chenin Blanc and Riesling.

The vitis vinifera grapes are known for being small compared to other types of grapes, and are generally seeded. They also have thick skins, which is where the aroma in wine comes from. Vitis vinifera grapes are very sweet, with twenty-four percent of their juice sugar by weight.

If you choose to use a variety of grapes for growing table grapes, not for making wine, some of the more well-known varieties include the Thompson Seedless, the Muscat, the Flame and the Concord grapes. Most table grapes are grown in hot, dry climates.

To know more about the different varieties of grapes for growing, visit www.AllAboutGrapeGrowing.com and get access to lots of great grape growing articles, tips and advice.