Hello, I'm about to move to a place with a big yard in Pitt Meadows, BC and I want to plant some grape vines for winemaking. I found 4 varieties in a garden centre in Langley (BC): Gamay, Gewurstraminer, Foch and Ehrenfelser. Do you think that these varieties will grow all right in Pitt Meadows? I want to get a some red grapes vines that will grow well, the problem is that I don't know were to get them in the Lower Mainland. I called a lot of garden centres and nurseries and they only seem to carry seedless or concord table grapes. Could you recomend somebody who carries grape stocks for wine making? Thanks a lot! email
These should all do OK in your area. None will have hardiness issues. Foch is early, best grafted if your soil is at all heavy. Gamay - well, which one is one question; there are at least 3 quite different varieties all called Gamay. All are early ripening. Gewurzt is a mid season grape, still OK, but not in a bad year. Try a near cross called Traminette if you can find it. Ehrenfelser is earlyish, similar to Kerner or Muller-Thurgau, very popular in the Okanagan; either Kerner or M-T would be better in Pitt Meadows. Try www.fragrantflora.com for started plants, red white or table. I'd like to help you, but we are at least 2 years away from sellable vines. Ralph
