We have an older concord grapevine in our backyard in Vancouver and we would like to graft on wine variety grapes. I have three questions: 1) Where is a good place to buy vine cuttings for grafting? 2) What are good, hardy varieties for this climate that offer respectable/drinkable wine? 3) When should we start the grafting?
You could graft onto the Concord. It will give you wine grapes earlier or you could just replant. You'll probably need 4 or 5 vines to make wine. What kind of wine grapes do you want red or white? There are lots of varieties you could try. There are some local people who could provide material. How much space do you have for vines? Try Ralph Walton he has a vineyard in your area and can help you. He posts here on a regular basis and would be your best contact/source for the lower mainland. Cheers kim
Try Paul Troop Phone 250 538-8782 or (604) 607-7354 (I think that's Paul). Marechal Foch also known as Foch is considered fairly bullet proof and can make a good red wine; the Blattner varieties are also worth a look. Some of the traditional European varieties will grow here but are less reliable/more demanding and perhaps not suitable for a backyard grower. On the other hand, some backyards are great Grape microclimates and most will respond well to the increased attention a small grower can bring to the operation. A single vine (if that is all you have room for) is more suitable for an eating (table type) grape, but if you can tolerate seeds some of the winegrapes will provide a Wow! eating experience. Ralph
Hi Kim and Ralph, Thanks a lot for your help! While we do not have much in the way of space, we are inclined to experiment with a couple of varieties at once and do some experimenting. Perhaps we will go with Marechal Foch and then try something else. Going to consult with Paul Troop. Thanks again! Cheers, Nick
