Archive for April, 2009

Planting grapes & site selection

Once the decision to go ahead and start a vineyard is reached, it is time to consider the steps that will lead to the actual production of grapes. After the general prevailing climate trends are considered; and it is determined where the vineyard will be located…

Types of Grapes

Winemaking requires a clear understanding of the types of grapes to be used because different grape types manifest different individual characteristics. Grapes come from two main families – Vitis Vinifera, which is prevalent in Europe; and Vitis Labrusca, which is common to Canada and the eastern United States…

Geography & Climate

Climate is an indispensable part of the site where the vineyard is located. It is the single most important factor that influences the quality of wine grapes and how it is preserved..

Selecting the Vine for your agriculture zone

You need to know your agricultural zone rating first before you can successfully select vines for propagating…

Introduction to growing grapes

Grapes have been cultivated for thousands of years. Viticulture, also known as cultivation of grapes, is a long and hard process. However, as with anything, planning and adequate preparation will pave the way for an enjoyable and exciting experience…

Growing Grapes and Winemaking

I am about to start posting a complete series on growing grapes and how to make wine.  This series will take you through all the steps of plotting your vineyard – selecting the grapes, planting, vineyard care and getting the most of your vineyard. If you are interested in keeping up with this series, please [...]

Pruning Grapes

Growing grapes that are going to be made into wine has been a long tradition in vineyards, backyard gardens, and all throughout history. It takes work and dedication to maintain a grapevine. Like most plants, they need weeding, pest control and pruning in order to receive a excellent harvest. It can take up to three [...]

Grape Trellis selection

One really excellent thing about grapes is that they grow on a vine and need a trellis in order to grow. Because of this space is not an issue. People can grow grapes in their backyards with only a small amount of space just as well as vineyards can on a few hundred acres of [...]

Grape Planting

The thing that most determines the taste of the wine is the quality of the grapes that are used to make it. Therefore the planting and growing process is a vital step in the wine making process. What is right for real estate is right in planting your grapes vines; location. By giving your grapevines [...]