The history of growing grapes and making wine is almost as old as humans themselves. It is a process that was seen all over the world in all of the major civilizations. In today’s society, growing grapes and making wine is just as rewarding and is well worth the effort.

Before you can enjoy that first glass of wine, you will have to grow the grapes. There are two different grape varieties groups to choose from when you are first beginning to plant your grapevine; the European grape varieties and the hybrids. Traditional grape growing in areas like California most likely use the European varieties. Those who live in areas where there is a shorter growing season are limited to the hybrid grape varieties. Hardiness through winter and resistance to disease has been bred into the hybrid grapes. We all know that wine is offered in either wine or red so, this is also something to consider when thinking about what kinds of grapes to grow.

The most important thing to remember about growing grapes is that they are perennial plants and therefore it will be about three years before you are able to harvest your first crop. But, some good news is that the quality does not reflect on the winemaker but on the grapevines. You will have to offer your grapevines a proper growing site, access to full sunlight and nutrient-poor soil. If grapes are grown in nutrient-poor soil that is dry it will stress out the vine. Stressing out the vine will cause it to produce small grapes. Winemakers depend on small grapes because the skin of the grapes contains all of the color and flavor which is what you need for wine. Larger berries that are appetizing to eat contain less skin and more juice.

When it is time to harvest your grapes, you will need to start off with fully ripe and disease free grapes. Most hybrid grapes are high in acidity. Because of this, you will need to purchase chemicals from a local wine making store to bring the acidity down to the proper levels before you add the yeast. When you are ready to ferment the grapes you will have to add yeast. There are different yeasts available for your wine. They will add subtle flavors or characteristics to the wine. Fermentation takes about a week and then it is ready to age. Ageing can take several months to a few years to complete. Once the wine is crystal clear you can bottle it and the wine then sits again for a few months aging during this step also. It is also common knowledge that the longer you allow your wine to age, the better it will be. Corks and wine bottles can also be purchased from you local wine store.

This age old tradition is well worth the time and effort. When the time is right to open that first bottle made especially by you, friends and family will line to be amazed and admire your newly acquired skill.

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