Best Climate for Growing GrapesIdeal climate for growing grapes. Growing grapes in California, Florida, Texas, Kentucky, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Growing grapes for wine as well as table, concord and muscadine grapes.
Photographic Print However, there is more to it. Not everyone lives in such a climate. Therefore, there are grape varieties adapted to climates vastly different from the one I've described. Perhaps a better question than, "What is the ideal climate for growing grapes?" would be, "Which grape grows well where I live?"
Growing Concord Grapes
Concords are American or fox grapes and members of the group Vitis labrusca. They are well adapted to cold winters, humid summers, and the insect pests commonly found in the eastern U.S.
Growing Wine Grapes
Vitis vinifera is the European wine grape. It is best adapted to regions of the American West with mild winters and hot, dry summers. Vitis rotundifolia the muscadine or Scuppernong grape, is best adapted to the deep south. They maintain their disease resistance even during the wettest weather.
Growing Grapes in California and Texas
Many wine grape varieties perform well in the wine growing regions of California. Parts of Texas that get less than 15 inches of rain during the season (April-July) are suitable for growing table grapes. Vines need to be planted far enough south that they are not exposed to winter temperatures below 0 degrees F. which can kill a mature grape vine. Grapes have no true dormancy period. Because of this the vines can be especially vulnerable to frost damage. Growing Grapes in Kentucky
Several varieties of Vitis labrusca including concord grape vines and Catawba grapes perform well in Kentucky. Also, many of the American-French hybrid grapes (Vitis ruprestris x Vitis lincecuni) are worth growing here. Many varieties of Vitis vinifera do well in Kentucky. Pinot Noir grapes will perform well in cooler regions of the state.
Growing Grapes in Oregon
The climate of Oregon is much like that of Burgundy. It also shares some characteristics with Alsace and Germany. As a result, growing grapes for wine is common here. In fact, Pinot Noir grapes are the premiere variety for Oregon. Chardonnay and Pinot Gris are also popular. Growing Grapes in Wisconsin
When growing grapes in Wisconsin, choose cold hardy hybrid grape varieties like Beta, St. Croix, or Valiant.
Florida is certainly not the ideal climate for growing grapes. It is much too humid and rainy. Despite this, there is a type of grape that grows beautifully here.
Muscadine grapes
make great wine and are one of the most delicious fresh eating varieties. Scuppernongs Scuppernongs are muscadine grapes. Muscadines are larger and rounder than most other table grapes. They also have a thicker skin. You will normally see them in the markets in the fall. Go from Best Climate for Growing Grapes back to How to Grow Grapes How to grow grapes instructs the home grower in variety and site selection for planting grape vines. Training grapes on a grape vine trellis or arbor. Growing and planting grapes. Go from Best Climate for Growing Grapes to Plant Guides Home Page |
