Growing grapes is an art form. Many people who start their own vineyard do so not because of the wine or other uses the grapes will provide, but because they love the peace that grapevines bring to a landscape and to the gardener's soul. Much like Japanese Bonsai Trees, grapevines take a lot of care in order to grow into the most healthy and productive plant you can make them to be.
There is a sort of Zen about grapevines which is difficult to describe to someone who hasn't really experienced it for themselves. Getting out there and getting your hands dirty with the process gives you time to think and grow. You get to care for something you never thought you'd care about.
So what does growing grapes entail?
Good Food
Grapes are one of the most versatile fruits in the world. Ironically, they are made mostly of water. Yet there are over 100 difference species of the plant. Not only that but you can mix and match to create entirely new types of grapes by grafting two grapevines together. So there are literally thousands of different combinations.
People take the grapes that grow and make all kinds of foods including things like raisins, food coloring, candy, and more. But chief among the products of grapes is wine. Wine is one of the largest and oldest fine food industries to ever exist. And because of its classy nature, Vineyards have gained an air of aristocracy which has aided them in becoming quite wealthy over the years.
Good Friends
Growing grapes yourself brings other benefits. For instance, once you've grown the grapes you need people to share the fruits of your labor with! Of course you can just dump them at the nearest farmer's market and call it a day, but I'd recommend making your own wine with the grapes you grow.
Making your own wine gives you the opportunity to share the joy of your labor with friends and family. You too can look back at a bottle of fine white or red wine and say "that was a good year."
Good Fun
Finally, growing grapes is good clean fun. It is a demanding task, but it is a highly rewarding one. Not only do you get to see the grapes grow which you've so carefully tended to health. But you'll see your labor pay off year after year after year.
Being out in the field with a pair of scissors, or a spray bottle is a fantastic way to simply enjoy nature and the peace it provides.
Some thoughts on getting started.
Starting your own vineyard, no matter if it is just a small patch in your back yard or if it is a massive production at a vineyard you've purchased and setup, comes with some work.
You're going to have to till the soil and make sure that your vines can allow their roots to grow deep and strong. You'll need to build solid trellises, so that the vines can grow and carry their massive harvests without crushing the structure. You'll need to select a variety of grape and figure out what you're going to do with it when you're done.
But chief of all of these things is you're going to need to build some patience. Growing your first harvest can be as much as three years away from when you plant your vine. You'll need to do a lot of work between now and then, but don't worry, when you see those grapes budding on the vine you'll know why you did it!
The excitement awaits! Get growing!
Michael Owens is a viticulture enthusiast who appreciates things that take time to grow, such as grapevines and bonsai trees. His website, the Grape Growing Garden helps people get into the art of viticulture. He writes about growing grapes and everything that entails such as how to buy grape vines online, how to choose the right grape variety, and how to get started growing your first harvest.
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