I like to drink wine; I think that’s been abundantly obvious. I am not a farmer; I think this too is abundantly obvious. That being said, I planted a grapevine. It was one that we’ve had for over 3.5 years, probably over 4 years, and we got it from Tablas Creek Vineyards.
We actually bought four vines from them, each one a different variety and we proved that we suck at growing grapevines…three of them lost their lives and we are left with one and it’s a Marssanne vine. This vine is a real trooper; it survived a year and a half of living in downtown Paso Robles where the local deer would feast on its leaves anytime they grew so it basically remained a stick in a pot for that period.
Since we’ve been in the new house for over ten months it’s really doing well…that’s subjective…it’s doing well in our opinion. We wanted to plant it in the Earth and now that we own a home it made sense. So I got my mattocks out and started ripping into the ground. I added some potting soil and proceeded to free the vine from its pot prison of many years. After loosening the clump of dirt, as well as the roots, I set it in the ground, filled in the hole, and watered it.
I have no idea if it was done correctly and to be truthful I must not have cared all that much or I would have looked up how to do it. Our goal is not to have a vineyard, nor is it to have fruit that we can do anything with. We plan on planting a few more but the way our house sits and the fact that we’re surrounded by oak trees does not allow for enough sun light…in my opinion…although my opinion may be wrong.
Grapevines have just become a symbol of sorts to us. We love the way they look through each season, there is something very artistic and aesthetic about them. They are obviously a huge part of our lives once they produce fruit and become the magical juice that we all love so much. Our little Marssanne vine is not producing fruit but I blame the deer attacks on that. I’m thinking it will produce some fruit next year which will be fun to see…even though it won’t be used.
Maybe we should have a vineyard…we could call it Hoot n Annie. Bad idea? Okay, never mind.
So, now that I told you the story of our one remaining grapevine I will get to the point of this. I became curious about the “how-to” aspect of planting vines. Since I don’t know I can’t help you but I did do some research to see how far off I was and here are some interesting links I found in case you need to know “how-to plant grapevines at home”. Even if you don’t want to make wine they are really beautiful plants that can add a ton of texture and greenery to your yard as they grow.
Cheers!
“9 steps to planting grapevines at home” via Jon Bonne
“Planting Dormant Grapevines: Backyard Vines” via winemakermag.com
“Grape To Glass: Planting Wine Grapes” via California-vineyards.com
“How to Plant a Grape Vine – Gurney’s Video” (video)
“How to Grow Grape Vines” via wikihow.com
“Planting Instructions; Grapevines” via our lovely friend, Jennifer Knoll!
Or you can do it the way we did and jump in with both feet! We were only able to obtain 600 grenache fines the first planting and we are now waiting for the balance of vines: 1200 more grenache, 1200 tempranillo and 1200 carignane for a grand total of 4200 vines on our 5 acres (4 acres to be planted). We kiddingly say that we retired so we can work harder as farmers! But it definitely is rewarding as we watch our hard work grow into strong and productive vines…and Clara is very adamant about keeping the weeds out as well. When you come over we can share our dream! Great topic…Cheers!
Wow Steve, I had no idea you were going to have so many vines…WHOA!! So much for retirement. Although, in my opinion retirement is overrated. That’s really cool, can’t wait to see it and hear more about what the overall plan is!!
Very cool idea, I’ve considered a few times! Um..no action so far though;-)
Martin, our action was based on need. The vine needed to be taken out of the pot. So, here’s an idea, buy a vine and put it in a pot…eventually it will tell you to plant it in the ground…then, you will become addicted. 🙂
Many years ago we re landscaped and put a pergola over our patio. We planted a Cabernet Vine, it didn’t produce for a year or two, I had to have a wine vine :)Someday I hope you will see it
Jo, yes indeed. It takes 3 to 4 years to see fruit. I think we will see your Cab vine at some point. We’ll get a pic of Sammy with it. 🙂
Thanks for posting this and for the links. My parents recently retired and moved to the foothills. My dad found a neighbor who had wine grapes growing on his property and offered to help prune them in exchange for taking some home. Funny thing is, the neighbor is in his 90’s, and doesn’t have a clue what kind of varieties he’s growing. My dad has them planted around their property (netted to keep the hungry deer away) and most are doing well. He’s hoping to eventually have enough fruit to make some hobby wine from the mystery grapes.
Elizabeth, that’s very cool. I know there are some other good resources for the DIY grape grower but thought these links were good. I absolutely love grape vines, something very romantic about them.