Growing grapes in Temecula
Question from Debbie:
I just bought a country home in Temecula (in Meadowview) and there were 3 rows of grapes but they let them die; there are the “t” frames and wires running to each to replant and start. I do not know what type of grapes to get and how to grow them. I would like to have some grapes for learning to make wine (I love merlots or reislings) and I would like some Thompson for just eating. Which grapes are for jams and jellies too?
Answer from Pat:
Temecula is a good growing area for grapes. There are many varieties with a large range of characteristics that can thrive there depending on your exact location and soil. Growing grapes for wine is a commitment, requiring research, soil testing, building of appropriate supports, installation of water system, training, pruning, testing, pest and disease control, harvesting, crushing, straining, aging and much more.
As a start study the lists in Sunset Western Garden Book for an idea of which variety or varieties you might wish to grow. Also, contact the Agricultural Extension in your area and take some classes in wine and wine-making. One of the best ways to find out if grape growing is for you is to join an amateur vintners club. By joining a group and attending meetings you will get an overview of what is involved.
The fact that you have found a defunct vineyard with dead grapes on your property is a hint at what can happen when gardeners plunge into grape growing without first learning everything involved and making sure this fits one’s lifestyle.
Ok, I will just grow grapes (3 short rows) for eating and making jellies. Which type/variety should I get for this purpose? Can you tell me what I need to do to the soil to begin and about culture and care. I will see you at Roger’s Gardens this weekend for your seminar on Vegetable Gardening; Looking forward to it.
Three short rows of grapes will provide a great many more grapes than one family can eat. Additionally, if you are going to put in all this time and effort you really need to do your own research, or at least study the lists on pages 375 to 377 and choose what suits you best, not me. For example, I might plant ‘Concord’ for jelly, ‘Thompson Seedless’ white grapes, ‘RibIer’ for black grapes and ‘Flame’, which is a red seedless, but perhaps you would choose different less well known varieties. For the shortest description of planting, pruning, and general care, see Sunset Western Garden Book, pages 373 to 378. To answer your question more fully than this is beyond the scope of this blog. There are several books on growing grapes and I suggest you purchase and read one of these.