Grape Vine Recommendations for a.....

[daviddevantnhisspiritwife]

Cheapskate.

I have always wanted to grow grapes. I know it is possible in this general area (I've seen the evidence).

I have seen cheap pinot noir vines in Wilko (£3) but not sure what to look for to ensure a decent one and whether or not I would be throwing money away.

I also saved some seeds from some grapes grown on a local vine - though they were not a wine variety and they would take forever?

Ideally, I would like something that won't break the bank that could eventually yeild something that could be eaten and/or fermented. Red is best of course, but if white is easier I will yield.

Thanks

[rustylady]

I also saved some seeds from some grapes grown on a local vine - though they were not a wine variety and they would take forever?

I really don't think they would come true to type from seed, but if you know the owner of the vine why not beg some cuttings?

[Seahorse]

I have two vines that I got very cheaply from Lidl. The one on my south facing wall fruits every year. Plenty for eating but you probably wouldn't get a great deal of wine. The other one is slightly more shaded and doesn't produce as much or as reliably.

My chap bought a vine in France a few years ago from a proper nursery. It's now HUGE and yields more grapes than we can manage to deal with (I'm talking about 20 feet long and laden).

So, I suppose my advice is that cheap ones will be ok but if you have the space and can use plenty of fruit, it's worth investing in something decent.

[daviddevantnhisspiritwife]

Rustlady, they are eaters. No chance of wine and not certain of variety.

Seahorse, was this via mail order or physical purchase? We have the space and I have been thinking about a growing structure... Guess I need to find out what varieties Will do well this far north.

Thank you both.

[daviddevantnhisspiritwife]

Making wine - English and Welsh Wine Grape Varieties

Above link has the info on varieties good for uk.

[Mikey]

You've got to remember that the cost of the vine is nothing compared to the time and effort you will lavish on it over the years to get a decent yield. So a pound or two on the vine cost is really neither here or there.

[veggiechicken]

I have a couple of grape vines, one led into the greenhouse. The outside one has very little fruit and the inside one has fruit but its about the size of a pea - with the pip filling the skin Pathetic really. However, you can make a wine called Folly from the vine leaves and prunings so all is not lost.

[Mikey]

However, you can make a wine called Folly from the vine leaves and prunings so all is not lost.

Which reminds me I still have that bottle in the garage.

[veggiechicken]

Maybe the best place for it Mikey

[Mikey]

Well it did seem very at home in yours...

[veggiechicken]

I must venture out there again and see what I can find. Tonight its a Banrock Station that I found under the stairs, from 2003. Its so strong I'm diluting it like Ribena

[zazen999]

I invested in one and its in our courtyard and we get grapes every two years it would seem.

My others, and I have several, the best one was on offer at wilko and cost 99p I think and is now about 20 foot long with two espaliers coming from the main stem.

I captured some seeds from my fave at Ryton and they have recently germinated and I am happy to announce that the true leaves are reddish tinted which is what they should be as the variety is Spetchley Red.

So I'd go for a named variety for your eaters, cheap for your winers and if you have space, pop as many in you can.
Most importantly is to prune it properly when it gets long enough to fruit a decent amount.

[greenishfing]

I manage to grow grapes here in cold soggy Yorkshire. I have two vines, one outdoors which produces small black grapes with big pips. I put it in the greenhouse originally, it was a cheapo from Morrisons, which had grapes on it when I bought it. When I found out that the grapes were little I decided that I wasn't giving it greenhouse space and planted it in the ground on the south side of my shed, more in hope than anticipation.

Grapes growing early summer



It still gives small black grapes with big pips outdoors.


I bought a Black Hamburg grapevine then from the local garden centre. It was a five foot tall stick when I bought it for fourteen pounds about 3 years ago. I grow that in the greenhouse now and the grapes are large and sweet with a couple of smallish pips.



Nearly ready

I would buy a named variety that is recommended for your area having wasted a year with my no-name little grapes. Try asking at your local garden centre or ask anyone nearby who has got one.

[daviddevantnhisspiritwife]

Wow thanks guys. Those grapes look ace greenishfing!

I don't really want to give up greenhouse space for grapes though. I really need something that will be ok in the cold.

I'll have a think and weigh it up. Our local wilko have £3 Pinot Noir in at the moment. Will inspect the roots (given other experiences recorded on this forum). Perhaps I might get a few, pot them up and give them some greenhouse space to wake them up.

Then, I'll have a look for something either mail order or locally if there is anywhere that sells anything halfway decent. Garden centre wise I think we have Wyevale and that is about it.

[Seahorse]

Our French vine was bought in person but I'm sure you could get one online. It's a Cardinal. Luscious black grapes and perfectly happy outdoors in Leicestershire.