Grape Growing and Wine Making

How to Grow Grapes - Grape growing and wine making are processes that have been around since the time of the ancients. Every major civilization throughout the world has enjoyed this process. Today, when you want to learn how to grow grapes, you will find that grape growing and wine making is just as rewarding as it was back all those years ago.

You will have to grow the grapes before you can enjoy your first glass of homemade wine. You will need to decide whether you wish to make red or white wine before you begin grape growing and wine making. There are two types of grape varieties from which to choose. These are the European grape variety and the hybrids. Traditionally, areas like California us the European varieties. Hybrid grape varieties most often grow in areas that have a shorter growing season. Hybrid grapes are bred to be hardier in the winter while being more resistant to diseases.

You should know that grapes are a perennial plant, which means that you should allow for at least 3 years before you are able to harvest your first crop of grapes. The good news is that the quality of wine will reflect upon the grapevines rather on the winemaker. Your grapevines require soil poor in nutrients and full access to sunlight. Grapes that grow in soil that is poor in nutrients cause stress to the vine. Smaller grapes are the results of a grapevine that feels stress. Winemakers use smaller grapes since the color and flavor that is in their skins are more favorable for winemaking. Larger grapes that are thin skin and juicy are best for eating rather than winemaking.

At harvest time, you will want to begin with fully ripe grapes that are free of disease. Generally, hybrid grapes are high in acidity. This means that you will need to obtain chemicals from a local winemaking store to lower the acidity to the proper levels before you add the yeast. Once you are ready for fermenting the grapes, you will then add the yeast. There are various types of yeast available for winemaking. They add delicate characteristics or flavors to the wine. It takes about a week for fermentation and then the wine is ready to age.

Ageing however, takes several weeks or even years to complete. After allowing the wine to become clear, you bottle it up and then allow the wine to sit for a few months, as this is another step in the aging process. Everyone knows that the longer a wine ages the better it is. You can also purchase wine bottles and corks from you local wine store.

This age-old tradition of how to grow grapes is well worth the effort and time you invest. Your family and friends will surely gather around you when it is finally time to open that first bottle you have made and they will admire your newly acquired skill and be amazed, as will you!