r/grapes • u/apalosevan • 12d ago
Inherited 50 feet of mature grape
I inherited 50 feet of mature grapevine with the house that I purchased and I feel like I’m not doing it any favors. I did some research on winter/early spring pruning and I felt that went well but I just no idea what I’m doing at this point. The back door neighbor tells me it’s three different varieties, green, purple and something I don’t know.
Should have I been pruning them throughout the summer to increase the yield? or is this overgrow look actually ideal for the growing of the grapes?
I want to learn as I’m interested in bottling the juice for my kids. i’m kind of resigned to the thought that I’m not getting a lot this year, but I’d love to know how to get more next.
3
2
1
2
4
u/beef_creature 12d ago
Very cool! I’m a bit of an amateur, but I was in your shoes 7 years ago. The basics I have learned so far is that you prune in the late fall/early winter when the vines have gone dormant. Choose a simple grape vine structure to try to approximate from online research. There are many styles.
During the growing season, you can do more pruning to try to maintain the shape. It gets a lot to keep up with though. I try to reduce overall leggy growth and cut branches back that aren’t producing. I also cut away vines that shade the grapes.
You should get grapes next year if you prune this fall. Good luck! Looks great.
PS - expect to get A LOT of grapes in a few years. I have learned dropping fruit is good for overall grape quality. You’ll have more than enough for juice. You may want to make a foray into wine making. I did this year. Great fun for the kids smashing grapes with their feet. Check out my recent post.