Many backyard growers have a vine or two of fresh-eating grapes in their garden for snacking. But have you ever thought about growing your own grapes for homemade wines?
That’s right, you don’t need a large vineyard to grow amazing grapes for homemade winemaking. From tart whites to full-bodied reds, there are actually a number of top quality wine grapes that you can grow in your own backyard.
In this guide, we’ll cover some of the best wine grapes to grow and we’ll discuss what makes them standout choices so you can determine the best wine type to grow in your garden.
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Best grapes to grow for red wine
If you prefer red wines, certain grapes are famous for their deep and complex flavors and ease of growing. Below are our top choices for the best red wine grapes to try.
Merlot
| Grape variety: | Merlot |
| Growing zone: | Zones 6 to 10 |
| Harvest time: | September through October |
| Recommended growing conditions: | Dry and warm |
| Flavor notes: | Low acidity, high tannin flavor, notes of cocoa and blueberry |
Although grown globally, Merlot is the most popular wine grape variety in France. With a skin so dark it appears almost black, the Merlot grape is named for its rich, dark color. In fact, its name comes from the root word “merle,” which means blackbird.
Frequently used in red blends, Merlot grapes are known for their full-bodied flavor and dry quality. Growing temperatures influence flavor, but in general, expect these grapes to produce notes of cocoa and blueberries.
Cabernet Sauvignon
| Grape variety: | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Growing zone: | Zones 6 to 10 |
| Harvest time: | September through October |
| Recommended growing conditions: | Very bright sun, cooler climates |
| Flavor notes: | Balanced flavor with berry notes |
The most commonly grown grape in the world, Cabernet Sauvignon’s success is due to one primary fact. It’s a very easy wine grape to grow!
A dark grape with thick skin, Cabernet Sauvignon is very high in tannins and produces a lovely berry flavor when grown in cooler climates; however, warmer temperatures can cause it to become overly sweet. Growing wide on vines, Cabernet Sauvignon matures later in the season, so it’s less likely to encounter problems caused by late frosts.
Pinot Noir
| Grape variety: | Pinot Noir |
| Growing zone: | Zones 6 to 10 |
| Harvest time: | August through September |
| Recommended growing conditions: | Better flavor in cooler climates |
| Flavor notes: | Medium bodied wine with low tannins, complex flavors with notes of anise and cherry |
Native to Burgundy, France, like Merlot, Pinot Noir grapes have a dark, near black skin. A thin-skinned grape, this variety produces a medium-bodied wine with low tannin levels. Flavors are fruity when young, but mature into a more complex flavor profile with hints of anise and mushroom.
A difficult grape variety to grow, Pinot Noir vines are usually low yielding and sensitive to frost and too much sun. They also require more active vine management than some other types, due to the fact that their grapes grow in such tight clusters that they can be prone to rot. Still, Pinot Noir is a favorite grape choice for many growers.
Syrah
| Grape variety: | Syrah |
| Growing zone: | Zones 7 through 9 |
| Harvest time: | August through October |
| Recommended growing conditions: | Better flavor in cooler climates |
| Flavor notes: | Notes of berries, chocolate and pepper |
Also known as “Shiraz” in Australia, Syrah is a less commonly grown variety, but it is a pleasant one.
Producing small, thick-skinned grapes, Syrah wine tends to be high in tannins. Temperature will alter flavor, but expect these grapes to produce fruit flavors which mature into notes of sweet toffee.
Malbec
| Grape variety: | Malbec |
| Growing zone: | Zones 7 through 9 |
| Harvest time: | September through October |
| Recommended growing conditions: | Better flavor in cooler climates, less hardy than Merlot |
| Flavor notes: | Smooth, tannin flavor |
With dark, near black skin, Malbec grapes produce a heavy wine with a very distinct flavor. For this reason, this variety is often blended with other grape types to create red blends, but it can hold its own too.
Growing best in cooler climates, warmer temperatures can lower acidity levels and create a more mild-tasting fruit. Malbec is often the grape of choice to grow in regions like Argentina and Washington state.
Best grapes to grow for white wine
White wines are more tart and crisp than red varieties and pair well with delicate flavors like seafood, pork and some curries. If you want to grow white wine grape varietals in your garden, here are our top choices of vines to try.
Chardonnay
| Grape variety: | Chardonnay |
| Growing zone: | Zones 6 to 10 |
| Harvest time: | August through September |
| Recommended growing conditions: | Dry and warm |
| Flavor notes: | Bright, crisp flavor with citrus notes |
Chardonnay grapes are the most widely cultivated white wine grapes and are grown throughout the world. Originally from Burgundy, France, Chardonnay grapes are used to create sparkling wines, like champagne, in addition to classic Chardonnay.
A mildly flavored grape, Chardonnay grapes produce a medium bodied wine with medium acidity. Temperature influences taste dramatically with cooler temperatures producing more citrusy flavors with mineral notes. Grapes grown in warmer climates have lower acidity levels and overripe fruit flavors.
Sauvignon Blanc
| Grape variety: | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Growing zone: | Zones 6 to 10 |
| Harvest time: | August through September |
| Recommended growing conditions: | Heat tolerant vines like dry and warm conditions |
| Flavor notes: | Dry, crisp flavor that tastes like summer |
Originating in the Bordeaux region of France, Sauvignon Blanc grapes produce a dry white wine; however, they can be rendered in such a way as to sweeten the wine flavor somewhat if desired. Wine produced with this grape tends to be acidic and medium bodied with complex flavors featuring notes of elderberry and passion fruit.
While primarily grown in France, this grape variety has spread throughout the globe too. It grows best in cooler weather, as hot temperatures can cause grapes to overripen.
Riesling
| Grape variety: | Riesling |
| Growing zone: | Zones 5 to 7 |
| Harvest time: | September through October |
| Recommended growing conditions: | Warm and dry, more tart flavors in cooler conditions |
| Flavor notes: | Balanced, dry white wine, pairs nicely with curries and pork |
A delicate grape variety first grown in Germany, the Riesling grape is considered by many to be the greatest winemaking grape in the world. This claim has led to its burgeoning popularity, particularly in the United States.
With a high acidity content, Riesling grapes produce a light-bodied, dry wine. Due to its delicacy, Riesling’s flavor can be influenced significantly by its growing region. Cooler growing locations produce a tarter, apple-like taste, while grapes grown in warmer locations are sweeter, with notes of peach.
Riesling is known for aging beautifully well, which helps to develop more smokey flavors.
Pinot Gris
| Grape variety: | Pinot Gris |
| Growing zone: | Zones 5 to 9 |
| Harvest time: | September through October |
| Recommended growing conditions: | Better flavor in cooler climates |
| Flavor notes: | Balanced acidity with sweet, floral notes |
Another grape variety from Burgundy, Pinot Gris grapes have light pink skin, but they produce a white wine. “Gris” refers to the dusky appearance these grapes take on while growing on the vine.
Frequently used to create sparkling wines, Pinot Gris grapes have a high acidity and high sugar content. Flavors produced range from citrusy lemons and limes to hints of pear and apple. Growing better in cooler climates, Pinot Gris is often the grape of choice to grow in the Pacific Northwest.
Chenin Blanc
| Grape variety: | Chenin Blanc |
| Growing zone: | Zones 7 to 9 |
| Harvest time: | September through October |
| Recommended growing conditions: | Dry and warm |
| Flavor notes: | Dry and crisp with floral notes |
Hailing from the Loire Valley region of France, Chenin Blanc grapes have a neutral flavor and a mild sweetness that makes them quite versatile for winemaking.
Budding early in the season, it takes a while for these grapes to mature fully. If harvested too early, grapes will be overly acidic, so be sure to pick your harvest at the right time.
Table grapes vs. wine grapes
Many beginning grape growers may wonder if you can use standard grape varieties, like ‘Concord’ or ‘Niagara,’ to make homemade wine. However, in reality, table grapes are not ideal for winemaking, so if you have the space for it and want both snacking grapes and a delicious wine grape, try growing both. Otherwise, it’s best to choose to grow only one type, as table grapes don’t make good wine.
While it may not be at first apparent, there are some significant differences between table grapes and wine grapes. In particular, wine grapes are usually smaller, sweeter and have a thicker skin. These characteristics produce a more concentrated flavor and higher acidity content, which is better for winemaking.
Table grapes, on the other hand, have a higher water content, which means they won’t ferment as well. They are also lower acidity and have a different skin to pulp ratio, so they won’t make a full-bodied and flavorful wine.
That said, some winemakers have been able to adjust winemaking recipes for table grapes. While the flavor may not be the best, it can work for some table grape types, including Concord grapes. However, this is not the recommended winemaking method.
If you find that you have a greater interest in table grapes, rather than wine grapes, some of the best table grape varieties for eating include:
- Thompson seedless. A light-skinned grape, perfect for snacking or drying into raisins.
- A classic, tart grape with dark skin. Wonderful in pies and jams. Concord is also a commonly used juicing grape.
- Flame seedless. A red-skinned grape with a delightful crunch.
- Moon drop. An elongated grape with dark skin and a crisp texture.
- Sweet jubilee. An excellent snacking grape or for pairing with peanut butter in a sandwich, sweet jubilee has dark skin and a light, smokey finish.
Or if you are intrigued by the thought of making your own fresh grape juice, here are some of the best juicing grapes to grow:
- A large and juicy, light-skinned grape, Niagara is perfect for snacks or juice making.
- A very sweet grape, Valiant makes a mouthwatering jam or fresh juice.
- Delightful in desserts, cocktails and juices, Kyoho comes from Japan and its name means “giant mountain grape.”
Frequently asked questions
It can take about 3 years after planting your grapes for your vines to produce a mature harvest. Fermenting and processing your wines may take an additional one to 2 years. But, though the process is long, it’s worth it!
A typical grape vine will produce about 40 clusters of grapes a year. Once processed, this translates into roughly 10 bottles of homemade wine.
While table grapes may not make good wine, wine grapes do make excellent snacking grapes. Due to their high sugar content, wine grapes are terrifically sweet when eaten. Just be advised, they do have larger seeds than typical table grapes.
No, eating grapes (also known as table grapes) have a higher moisture content and lower acidity levels than wine grapes. With thicker skins and higher acidity, wine grapes produce more complex flavors and ferment better for winemaking.
Summary
Winemaking at home may at first sound intimidating, but it really isn’t. If you pick the right wine grape variety for your grow zone, follow the proper care instructions and harvest at the right time, you should be able to produce a heavy harvest of healthy grapes for winemaking in just a few years.
Once harvested, making your own wine can be as simple as processing your grapes in a small backyard press, bottling your harvest, following proper fermentation guides and just being patient. Within a few years after planting your vines, you’ll be producing rich and complex wines for your own use or to share with friends.
If you liked this article, check out our other content on backyard fruit growing here.
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