How to Grow Grapes
Growing grapes and making wine has been a large part of history almost as long as man has been making it. It is certainly not centralized in any one region. It has been a worldwide tradition. And even today the growing of grapes and making wine is just as rewarding and more than worth the effort required.
First you will have to learn how to grow grapes, and then you can learn how to make the wine. First you must decide upon a variety of grapes. The two varieties are European and hybrids. Californians in the traditional grape growing areas will probably use the European variety. Grape growers in areas with shorter growing seasons will be limited to the hybrid varieties. The hybrid grape varieties have a stronger resistance to diseases and are hardier, because of their breeding.
If you are learning how to grow grapes to make wine for your personal use, you need to decide if you would like red or white wine. You must also take into consideration that grapes are perennial plants and that it takes about three years before you have your first harvest. Also know that the quality of the wine that you make is more affected by the grape vines and their exposure to the elements than your wine making skills.
Your grape vines will need a moist, but well drained growing site. Nutrients are very important, especially with younger vines. If the grape vines do not get enough nutrients or moisture, they will suffer from stress. This in turn will cause the grape vine to produce small grapes. This is good because the smaller grapes have more flavor and color. That is because most of the color and flavor comes from the skins. The bigger grapes would be better for eating. They would have less skin and more juice.
At harvest time you will be looking for fully ripe and disease free grapes. Most hybrid grapes are high in acidity. Before you add the yeast you must get the acidity to the correct level. You will need chemicals from your wine making supply source to accomplish this.
After the acidity level is correct and you are ready to ferment the grapes you will add the yeast. There are several different types of yeast. Spend some time picking the correct one. The type that you pick will affect the flavor and characteristics of your wine.
Then the actual fermentation takes about a week and then the aging process starts. The aging process can take anywhere from several months to several years depending on several factors.
Once the wine is clear you can bottle it and then let it sit to age some more. Depending on the wine the longer that it ages the better it may taste. There are also many accessories that you can buy from your wine making supplier that will make you look like a pro. Corks, bottles, labels and foil shrink wraps. The most impressive thing may be your label. Take some time thinking about what you will want it to look like.
Learning how to grow grapes and make your own wine will definitely impress your friends, and even yourself! Imagine your friends sharing that first bottle with you. Some may be asking you for lessons!
