Growing wine grapes has an almost romantic allure for some home gardeners, with visions of grape clusters glistening in the dawn and a smell of must in the air. The truth is that growing grapes and creating wine is challenging to even skilled gardeners. However, if a gardener wants to try his hand at home-grown wine grapes, there are many resources to help.
Background of Texas Wine Grape Growing
“For thousands of years, rich Texas soil nurtured wild grapes along rivers and streams, but it was not until Spanish missionaries arrived in the 17th century that vineyard cultivation began near modern-day El Paso.” Thus begins the history of wine growing in Texas from the Wine Grape Guide published by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
The Texas wine industry has grown considerably in the last decade from 40 wineries in 2000 to 170 wineries in 2008 (U.S. Wine Industry – 2008 report from the U.S. Department of Commerce). Texas has eight officially recognized wine growing regions:
- Bell Mountain in the central Texas Hill Country
- Escondido Valley in deep west Texas
- Fredericksburg – Hill Country
- Mesilla Valley – far west Texas near El Paso
- Texoma – North Texas
- Texas Davis Mountains – deep west Texas near Big Bend
- Texas Hill Country – outside Fredericksburg
- Texas High Plains – Panhandle of Northwest Texas
Today a tourist can visit many Texas wineries for a taste and a history lesson. A favorite for travelers is to combine a visit to wineries with some wildflower sightseeing in the Texas Hill Country.
Growing Wine Grapes in Texas —the Basics
What characterizes good wine growing areas are the combination of climate, soil and topography. “Due to specific growing conditions in Texas that result in reduced fruit production and on occasion vine death, some Texas grape growers and wine makers choose to work with non-viniferous, or non-European grapevines and fruit. These grapes are more resistant to specific challenges presented by growing conditions in Texas.” explains Dr. Charles McKinney writing for the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association.
Select a location for grape plants that has plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil. Air-flow over the vines will reduce problems with airborne diseases and dry leaves remove the fungi’s habitat. Deep, fertile soil helps grape vines produce sustaining root systems. Sandy or sandy-loam soil is best, as clay soils tend to retain moisture too long. However, if a gardener is struck with heavy clay soil, the Champanel grape with its small clusters will prosper in that environment.
Plants should be placed about eight feet apart and can be either trellised or planted in rows. Vine can also be trained to grow up an arbor for lovely garden feature. Pruning grape plants is a complicated process and what is best depends on several factors. One of the most comprehensive resources for detailed information on pruning and plant care is the Texas Winegrape Network hosted by Texas A&M University (TAMU).
The TAMU site provides extensive information on growing, care, wine-making, current research and available resources for home and commercial wine grape growers. And, Texas home gardeners remember, even if the grape plants do not produce enough for wine-making, grape leaves can be processed for dolmas.
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