Have you ever wanted to grow grapes? I know, I have, and its quite interesting on how many there really are. There's over 10,000 varieties of wine grapes. Now days a lot of the varieties have been grafted to create new hybrids. Some to keep them bug and fungus protected. Then there's the real creative wineries that play the Mother Nature Game to introduce a new flavor of grape and fine tune the perfect bottle of wine.
But, first I want to begin the growing journey to how the grapes got here in Texas. We know by Patrick McGovern and by his book Wine and its Origins narrows the influence of wine making down to the Chinese. Well, who brought it to Texas? Missionaries? Yup! In the 17th Century Missionaries brought grape roots to transplant in the new land. They landed around El Paso, Texas. Infact the Oldest Winery and is still in operations is Val Verde Winery in Del Rio. If you would like to know more about the Winery Click Here! For information on visiting the winery Click Here! By the late 1800's the Europienes had vinyards almost through out West and Central Texas. Then around 1880 something almost killed out the vineyards through out Europe and in the states called Pierse's Disease. There is a long story between France and T.V. Munson from Denison, Texas regarding the Pierse's Disease and I will explain more in Part 3. So, lets take a turn toward growing them.
The house I grew up in had grapevines on the side of the house. I have to confess, these grapevines got a few nasty words over the years, because I had to sweep up the leaves and grapes that would fall to the patio. If I would have known then what I know now, I would have respected it a bit more. My father planted about 4 different kinds to see which one would grow and it wasn't till a few years ago that I found out what kind they were. Yes, they were wine grapes, Blanc du bois, Lenoir, Temprinillo and a Texas Native Mustang Grape. Over time the Mustang Grape took over though. So, I can't say why since I was young and rather hang out with my friends, but can say I watched them grow with little care. I am not saying they are easy to grow, but depending on what kind, location and environment. and sometimes that can make it complex. All I know is that my father made it look easy. My father wasn't a drinker so, he gave his vines a job to just shade the house and that's about it. He watered them occasionally, but I really think Mother Nature took care of them. I can't tell you how crazy they would grow and all the grapes I would have to keep cleaning up....
If you are wanting to get a bit more serious about grape growing Texas A&M has a wonderful site called the Texas Winegrape Network that has all kinds of connections to wineries as well as Extension Agents to help guide you. In fact, here's an actual link to their section of Q&A's on growing grapes Click Here I have another great find and its the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association. Click Here The Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association has a gathering every year called the Grape Camp, which is a gathering of Viticulture Extension Specialists, Wineries, Biologist..etc. gather and discuss and exchange all kinds of goodies that are happening within the grape growing industry.
My personal favorite is the Texas Winegrape Network since I am just an Urban Gardener. The best time to plant grapevines is in the Fall. Please maker sure your starter root is "Certified" which keeps the diseases down. I have heard through the "grapevine" no pun in tended, that you can grow some varieties of grapes in containers. So, I may try it out on the Herb'n Hippie Patio/Farm next year.
Next is.....Mustang Grapes & The French!
Namaste
Indu
Special Note: Nothing
said, done, typed or written is
intended to diagnose, prescribe, cure or treat any illness and is not a
substitute for a license physician. I provide educational information
designed to help you and your personal journey to good health
I have all kinds of goodies on my Facebook Page, so come take a peek!
Visit My Website
www.induluv4u.com
