Growing grapes dates back to the beginnings of the development of human civilization. The process has been perfected over centuries of trial and error and if known, today it enables us not only to find, but also to make ourselves, high quality wines that delight our palates.

The Growing Process

Before you can enjoy that first glass of wine, you will have to grow the grapes. There are two different grape varieties groups to choose from when you are first beginning to plant your grapevine; the European grape varieties and the hybrids.

Picking the Right Grape Cultivar

Traditional grape growing in areas like California most likely use the European varieties. Those who live in areas where there is a shorter growing season are limited to the hybrid grape varieties. Hardiness through winter and resistance to disease has been bred into the hybrid grapes. We all know that wine is offered in either wine or red so, this is also something to consider when thinking about.

what kinds of grapes to grow

The most important thing to remember about growing grapes is that they are perennial plants, and therefore, it will be about three years before you are able to harvest your first crop. But, some good news is that the quality does not reflect on the winemaker but on the grapevines.

Creating Prime Growing Conditions

Giving your grapevine lots of sunlight and a nutrient deficient soil is vital for the harvesting of a healthy grapevine with fruit suitable for wine making. While sunlight will aid in the grapes sweetness, a nutrient-poor soil will stress out the vine. This will force the grapes to grow smaller and maximize the amount of skin; the key to the color and flavor of the wine. Large grapes, on the contrary, are more suitable to eat since they offer more juice and less skin " a friendlier scheme for our palate.

Determine the Prime Harvesting Time

In order to determine if its time to harvest your grapevine, you will need to measure the acidity of the fruit in each vine. When harvesting, it is essential that you stabilize acidity levels before adding the yeast to ensure proper fermentation. You can find acidity measurers and acidity stabilizing chemicals at your local wine making supply store, as well as bottles, corks and wine fermenting yeast.

The Fermentation & Finishing Process

When you are ready to ferment the grapes you will have to add yeast. There are different yeasts available for your wine. They will add subtle flavors or characteristics to the wine. Fermentation takes about a week, and then it is ready to age. Ageing can take several months to a few years to complete. Once the wine is crystal clear you can bottle it and the wine then sits again for a few months aging during this step also. It is also common knowledge that the longer you allow your wine to age, the better it will be. Corks and wine bottles can also be purchased from your local wine store.

When the wine turns clear, its time to bottle. Then a second, and final, ageing is done to prepare the wine before its consumption. When it comes to ageing, be patient and remember the popular saying: the longer the ageing, the better the wine. In time, you will taste the difference.

Pierre Duponte is a grape growing expert. He spends his time teaching others how to make fine wines. For more great tips on How To Grow Grapes and how to make wine visit http://www.grapegrowingwinemakingtips.com/.

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