Need some help on what grape to grow in North Florida

olusteebus · May 2, 2017

I am sure that you folks in Texas, South Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and North Florida can help me. I have some land now that will allow me to grow some grapes. I am interested in growing Blanc DuBois and Black Spanish. I have never grown grapes before. I plan on just planting enough for me to make some wine as I don't want to be overwhelmed.

How hard is it to grow these varieties? How is the wine that is made from them taste?

Any help will be appreciated.

Buster

olusteebus · May 4, 2017

Guess I will have to rely on google for help on those grapes

DG2001 · May 4, 2017

I'm in south Alabama and would like to know as well.

ibglowin · May 4, 2017

Here is a good article on vines that are resistant to Pierce's Disease (PD) in Texas (exact same growing problems as Florida) PD is what makes it impossible to grow anything other than Muscadines and the few varieties listed in this article. Black Spanish supposedly makes the best quality wine but I am not sure if that is saying much.

Pierce’s Disease- Tolerant Grapes

olusteebus · May 4, 2017

ibglowin said:
Black Spanish supposedly makes the best quality wine but I am not sure if that is saying much.

Pierce’s Disease- Tolerant Grapes

Oh no, it must make wonderful wine. Look what one vendor says!

"The wine produced from the Black Spanish is similar to a Merlot or Cabernet wine"

Thanks, I saved that article.