Hi Melissa, Great news, I hope you give it a go! From planting to taking your first (small) grape harvest is usually around eighteen months, as a crop can be carried in the second year after planting. However, the resulting wine is generally quite light-bodied and not really worth the effort to make. Once the vines reach maturity in their fifth year after planting, then they take on a whole new meaning in life! It sounds a long time I know, but don't be discouraged. Grafted vines have a productive life of between 30-50 year, whereas vines on their own roots can last centuries, so once planted and trellised, with all the hard work done, the maintenance is easy (just like 'pottering' in any garden) and you could be enjoying the fruits of your labour for the rest of your life...
In reply to Very exciting! Maybe I should by Melissa
Grapes; From Planting to Harvesting...
Hi Melissa, Great news, I hope you give it a go! From planting to taking your first (small) grape harvest is usually around eighteen months, as a crop can be carried in the second year after planting. However, the resulting wine is generally quite light-bodied and not really worth the effort to make. Once the vines reach maturity in their fifth year after planting, then they take on a whole new meaning in life! It sounds a long time I know, but don't be discouraged. Grafted vines have a productive life of between 30-50 year, whereas vines on their own roots can last centuries, so once planted and trellised, with all the hard work done, the maintenance is easy (just like 'pottering' in any garden) and you could be enjoying the fruits of your labour for the rest of your life...