
Helpful Links:
- Bleyhl Farm Service
- Clean Plant Center Northwest
- Linde Vineyard Supply
- National Grape Registry
- Washington State Grape Society
- Washington Wine Commission
- Washington Wine Industry Foundation
- Wilson Orchard and Vineyard Supply
- Wine Grape Growers of America
- WSU Grape Virology Program
- WSU Viticulture & Enology Research & Extension
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my growing degree days?
Growing degree days are determined by taking the daily average of the maximum and minimum temperatures, divide by two and compared to a base of 50 degrees. Calculations are taken daily during the growing season from April until the end of October. Data can be gathered from nearby weather stations. Knowing your average growing degree days is a factor in determining selections appropriate for your site.
What is a clone?
A clone is a genetically uniform group of individuals derived originally from a single individual by asexual propagation (cuttings, grafting, etc.). All grape varieties are propagated by asexual means to preserve the unique characteristics of the variety, but slight genetic variations commonly occur among the billions of cells that make up a grapevine. If a new vine is propagated from a cane that grew out of such variant tissue, it may exhibit different characteristics than the original. If the difference is desirable, the vine could be further propagated to perpetuate the new characteristics. Thus, a new clone is born and it is assigned a number or given a name to distinguish it from other clones.
Clones may have differences in time of budbreak, time of ripening, cluster architecture (loose versus tight), fruit yield, fruit quality, or other characteristics.
How can I minimize the cost/vine for shipping and handling?
We charge a flat handling fee and can fit approximately 200 vines in one UPS ground box. The more that can fit in a box the less cost per vine.
How many vines do I need to make wine?
One ton of grapes will result in approximately 150 gallons of juice. From a typical three ton/acre crop, you can expect around 450 gallons of juice/acre. Common vineyard spacing is 8-5, but many growers prefer higher density plantings, which decreases the amount of fruit per vine, and some believe ultimately improves quality of wine.
For backyard growers, using the crop scenario above, each vine should produce around five to six pounds of fruit. Twenty-five vines should allow you to produce around 10 gallons of juice.