Grape Varieties For Northern VA

[CurtBoswell]

Hello, this is my very first post here. I was thinking about starting to grow my own vines this year. What varieties would be suitable for Northern VA?

Thanks
Curt

 

[Randoneur]

Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Norton. See Virginia Tech web site. You are one of the better eastern U.S. areas for noble wine grapes.

 

[CurtBoswell]

Thank you! I was trying that sight but sadly it would not load on my laptop. Another thing would I be able to keep the vines in 50 gallon pots for about 2 years at the most while i get enough money to buy some land? What type of dirt should I use?

 

[CurtBoswell]

I am thinking Chardonnay. Here is a link tell me what you think http://www.willisorchards.com/product/Chardonnay+Wine+Grape+Vine#.UR2Tp6U3u8A

 

[bigdrums2]

Grow Norton and Chambourcin, great for Virginia. On the vinifera side, Cab franc and petit Verdot do fine, but seriously, norton is from your state, not another country!

 

[deboard]

I'll second Norton, Virginia is it's home, and you'll likely have less problems with them. A lot of the european vines require a lot of work to keep them healthy. So Norton might be a good vine to start with for sure. Plus it makes a good wine.

 

[ibglowin]

50 gallon pots! Sounds like a tad too much. I would think 5G would be big enough for a short term.

 

[Deezil]

50 gallon pots! Sounds like a tad too much. I would think 5G would be big enough for a short term.

Keep in mind, the bigger the pot - the bigger the hole you get to dig.. So, while they wont grow in a quart jar..........

 

[Boatboy24]

I'm in NOVA. Looking at Chambourcin or Norton. Need to try some first though. Cabernet Franc is another possibility.

From what I've read, Double A Vineyards is a great place to buy vines.

 

[Randoneur]

You really need to try some wine made from Chambourcin before you invest time in it. You will have to have a good spray program no matter what you grow.

 

[bigdrums2]

Chambourcin is pretty "European" tasting. Do definitely try Norton - cooper vineyards, Horton, and chrysalis vineyards probably make the best in that state. It's either a like it or hate it variety. Personally I love it.

 

[CurtBoswell]

Alright I'll look into Norton. Thanks!

 

[ozarkhighlands]

Alright I'll look into Norton. Thanks!

I would buy some norton wines try them not everyone's cup of tea. Easy to grow hard to make good wine . Virginia depending where you are is good for European grapes. Much more simple to make good wine. Stay diligent with your spray routine.

 

[CurtBoswell]

I don't mean to bother you. What is a spray routine as I am new to this.

 

[deboard]

ozarkhighlands has some good advice, try some nortons before you decide. I've had a bunch and overall I love them, but they are a high acid grape and can be a little harder to "tame" as far as acid goes. Chrysalis Vineyards in Virginia is supposed to be the best if you can make a trip there. I haven't had their Norton, although I'd love to!

My recommendation was based on how much trouble they are. I grow Nortons and I really don't spray much. They are resistant to most fungal infections that kill Vinifera grapes. But not all of course. They will do even better with a regular fungicide spray. With Vinifera you will have to keep a pretty regular schedule or they will suffer. With Nortons, I spray for bugs, but only spray for fungus in the spring. I may change that however, since I recently added some different vines and I prefer to keep the same schedule for all of them.

I think by regular spraying ozarkhighlands means a fungicide and possibly a pesticide. Definitely fungicide though.

 

[CurtBoswell]

Alright thanks! I will try some Norton. I am planning to get some land to start a vineyard in about 3 or 4 years.

 

[CurtBoswell]

What fungicide sprays do you recommend for Norton? Also where would be the best placeto get them?

 

[bigdrums2]

Some good neem oil is all I think you would need. It is pretty resistant, especially I would think in northern va. Norton requires aging, and it ages well (I had a 14 year old bottle this summer and it was great). Also oak is a pretty good addition, and I would definitely do a a Malo ferment. I've heard chrysalis is great but I can personally attest to cooper's vintage as well a horton's. Horton's goal is to make a great ten dollar bottle, and it's a great deal. Check out the book, "the wild vine", its a great read about Morton's history as well as Virginia viticulture.

 

[CurtBoswell]

Thank you!

 

[bigdrums2]

No problem. I do love Chambourcin also. If you Like whites I think you should try Vidal blanc or traminette up there. I used to live next to a Virginia winery so I do know what works well there. If you insist on growing vinifera (I'm a hybrid guy) try Cabernet franc, petit Verdot or Viognier. However, I'm not big on spraying all the time so I don't grow vinifera.