Top 20 Grape Varieties to Grow: Tips and Advice for a Successful Harvest

Grapes are a versatile fruit used for fresh eating, making wine, juice, and raisins. With hundreds of varieties available, selecting the right grapevine for your climate and desired use is essential for a successful harvest. Grapes are relatively easy to grow, but the variety you choose can make a significant difference in flavor, hardiness, and yield. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 20 grape varieties to grow, along with practical tips to ensure your vineyard or backyard vines thrive.

1. Concord (American)

Concord is one of the most popular grape varieties in the U.S., known for its sweet, juicy flavor. It’s perfect for making juice, jellies, and fresh eating.

Tip: Concord grapes are cold-hardy but need full sun to ripen properly. Train them on a trellis for the best yields.

2. Thompson Seedless (European)

Thompson Seedless is the most common variety used for making raisins and is also popular for fresh eating. The grapes are sweet, light green, and seedless.

Tip: Thompson Seedless grapes need a warm climate and full sun. Regular pruning is essential to ensure high yields.

3. Cabernet Sauvignon (Wine)

Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic wine grape variety known for its rich, complex flavor and suitability for making red wine.

Tip: Cabernet Sauvignon grapes thrive in warm, dry climates with well-drained soil. Prune heavily to encourage airflow and sunlight exposure.

4. Flame Seedless (Table Grape)

Flame Seedless is a red table grape known for its sweet flavor and crisp texture. It’s ideal for fresh eating and can also be dried into raisins.

Tip: Flame Seedless needs regular watering and full sun to produce large, juicy grapes. Thin the clusters to improve fruit size.

5. Chardonnay (Wine)

Chardonnay is a popular white wine grape known for its adaptability and ability to produce wines with a wide range of flavors.

Tip: Chardonnay vines need a warm, temperate climate. Prune them annually to encourage new growth and maintain high-quality fruit production.

6. Niagara (American)

Niagara grapes are a greenish-white variety with a sweet, musky flavor. They’re commonly used for making juice, jellies, and fresh eating.

Tip: Niagara grapes thrive in cooler climates and need well-drained soil. Train the vines on a sturdy trellis for support.

7. Merlot (Wine)

Merlot is a popular red wine grape with a soft, rich flavor. It’s widely grown for its versatility in winemaking.

Tip: Merlot grapes need a warm, sunny location and well-drained soil. Thin the fruit clusters for better quality wine grapes.

8. Crimson Seedless (Table Grape)

Crimson Seedless is a late-season, red table grape with firm flesh and a sweet, slightly tart flavor. It’s excellent for fresh eating and making raisins.

Tip: Crimson Seedless grapes benefit from consistent watering and full sun exposure. Prune back excess growth to prevent overcrowding.

9. Zinfandel (Wine)

Zinfandel grapes are known for producing bold, fruit-forward red wines with high sugar content. They’re also used to make white Zinfandel.

Tip: Zinfandel grapes do best in warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil. Prune heavily to control growth and improve fruit quality.

10. Concord Seedless (American)

Concord Seedless is similar to traditional Concord grapes but without seeds. It’s perfect for fresh eating, juice, and jelly.

Tip: Concord Seedless needs full sun and regular pruning to ensure a good fruit set and larger clusters.

11. Muscat (Wine/Table Grape)

Muscat grapes are prized for their sweet, floral flavor and are used in both winemaking and fresh eating.

Tip: Muscat grapes need plenty of sunlight and good air circulation. Train them on a trellis to improve airflow and prevent fungal diseases.

12. Catawba (American)

Catawba is a pinkish-red grape used for making wine, juice, and jelly. It has a sweet, slightly tart flavor.

Tip: Catawba grapes do best in cooler climates with full sun. Prune annually to maintain healthy vines and increase yields.

13. Pinot Noir (Wine)

Pinot Noir is a delicate red wine grape known for producing elegant wines with complex flavors.

Tip: Pinot Noir requires a cool, temperate climate and well-drained soil. Careful pruning and trellising are needed to protect the vines from wind and sun damage.

14. Red Globe (Table Grape)

Red Globe is a large, red table grape with a sweet flavor and firm texture, perfect for fresh eating.

Tip: Red Globe grapes need regular watering and plenty of sunlight. Thin the grape clusters early in the season for larger fruit.

15. Sauvignon Blanc (Wine)

Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine grape known for its crisp, refreshing flavor. It’s a favorite for producing dry, aromatic white wines.

Tip: Sauvignon Blanc vines need full sun and well-drained soil. Ensure proper airflow by pruning regularly to prevent mildew.

16. Mars (American)

Mars is a seedless blue-black grape with a sweet flavor and resistance to diseases like powdery mildew.

Tip: Mars grapes grow well in cooler climates. Train the vines on a sturdy trellis and prune annually for better yields.

17. Italia (Table Grape)

Italia is a greenish-yellow table grape with a sweet, floral flavor and large, juicy berries. It’s excellent for fresh eating.

Tip: Italia grapes need warm temperatures and regular watering. Thin the grape clusters to encourage larger, more flavorful fruit.

18. Petit Verdot (Wine)

Petit Verdot is a red wine grape used in Bordeaux-style blends. It’s known for adding tannins, color, and structure to wines.

Tip: Petit Verdot grapes thrive in warm climates with well-drained soil. Prune and thin the clusters to ensure high-quality grapes.

19. Himrod (Table Grape)

Himrod is a seedless, white table grape with a sweet flavor and tender skin. It’s perfect for fresh eating and drying into raisins.

Tip: Himrod grapes need full sun and well-drained soil. Prune the vines to control growth and increase fruit production.

20. Cabernet Franc (Wine)

Cabernet Franc is a versatile red wine grape often blended with other varieties but can also be made into standalone wines.

Tip: Cabernet Franc grapes grow best in cooler climates and well-drained soils. Ensure the vines receive adequate sunlight and prune regularly for optimal fruit development.

Tips for Growing Grapes Successfully

1. Full sun for best fruiting: Grapes need full sun, at least 6-8 hours a day, to produce sweet, ripe fruit. Plant your vines in a sunny spot with good air circulation.
2. Well-drained soil: Grapes prefer well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Avoid heavy clay soils, as they can lead to root rot.
3. Trellising is essential: Grapes are vining plants that need support. Use a trellis or wire system to train the vines, improve airflow, and make harvesting easier.
4. Prune annually: Prune grapevines in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove old wood and encourage new growth to increase yields.
5. Water consistently: Grapes need regular watering, especially during dry spells and when the fruit is forming. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
6. Fertilize sparingly: Grapes do not need heavy fertilization. Feed your vines with a balanced fertilizer in early spring, but avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit.
7. Pest control: Grapes can be affected by pests like aphids, Japanese beetles, and spider mites. Keep an eye out for these and use organic or chemical treatments as necessary.
8. Thin the fruit clusters: To improve the size and quality of the grapes, thin the fruit clusters early in the season. This helps the vine focus its energy on fewer, higher-quality grapes.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How long does it take for grapevines to produce fruit?
Grapevines typically begin producing fruit 2 to 3 years after planting, but it may take up to 5 years to reach full production.

Q2: When is the best time to plant grapevines?
The best time to plant grapevines is in early spring, after the last frost, or in fall, before the first frost, to allow the roots to establish.

Q3: How often should I water grapevines?
Water grapevines deeply once a week during dry spells, more frequently if needed. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Q4: Can grapevines be grown in containers?
Yes, dwarf or compact grape varieties can be successfully grown in large containers with good drainage and regular watering.

Q5: How do I protect grapevines from birds?
Birds love grapes, so use bird netting or other deterrents to protect your fruit as it ripens.