Crops › Grape (Wine)
How to grow Grape (Wine)
in the US
Sow March to November, plant out December, harvest July to October. About 1095 days from seed to plate.
Shown for zone 6. Zone table further down.
Now then, growing grapes for wine, it's a proper challenge, I won't lie. Takes a bit of patience, but getting your own fruit from the plot for a bit of winemaking, well, that's just cracking. It's a long-term commitment, this one, Vitaceae family, but a rewarding one if you're up for it.
Sowing
You're starting these from seed, mind, not like some veg where you can get plugs. You'll want to sow indoors, usually in March or April, depending on your USDA zone and when your last frost hits. For zones 5-7, that's generally March to May. Folks in warmer zones like 9 or 10 might sow earlier, February or even January, or later in the fall. Plant your seeds about an inch (2.5 cm) deep in good seed compost, keeping them warm, around 70-75°F (21-24°C). This can take a while, so don't fret if they don't pop up straight away, like I say, patience is key here.
Growing on
Once your little seedlings are up and running and have a couple of true leaves, you can prick them out into individual pots. Keep them protected, maybe in a cold frame or a sunny windowsill, hardening them off gradually before planting them out after all danger of frost has passed. Grapes need a good sunny spot and plenty of room to grow, so think about a trellis, arbor, or wires for support. They're going to be there for years, easily three years before you see a proper harvest, so get that structure right from the start.
Looking after it
Grapes need a bit of looking after, you know. Keep them watered, especially in dry spells, and feed them a balanced fertilizer in spring. Pruning is massive for grapes; it's what keeps them healthy and productive. Pinching out shoots and thinning clusters helps the plant put its energy into fewer, better grapes. Keep the area around them clear of weeds too.
What goes wrong
Like everything on the plot, you'll get a few unwelcome visitors. Japanese beetles and grape berry moths can munch on the leaves and fruit, so keep an eye out. Powdery mildew can be a pain, especially in humid weather; good air circulation helps. And birds, oh, they just love a ripe grape, so netting is often your best bet to protect your hard-earned crop.
Harvest
After all that waiting, the harvest is proper satisfying, usually from August through October. The grapes will be plump, colorful, and taste sweet; that's how you know they're ready. Snip the clusters carefully with shears, keeping a bit of stem attached. You can store them in a cool, dry place for a short while, or refrigerate them if you're not planning to use them straight away.
To be honest, the best bit of advice I can give you with grapes is to pick a spot that gets full sun all day long and make sure your support system is built to last, because they'll be there for yonks.
Dates for your plot
Type your zone and the plant-out advice shifts to your frost dates.
Varieties, and whether the club would grow them again
| Variety | Club verdict |
|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon This is a classic for a reason, a real workhorse on the plot. It's a dependable choice if you're looking for a robust red. | No club votes yet |
| Merlot A popular choice that ripens a bit earlier than some reds. You'll get lovely, softer fruit from this reliable grower. | No club votes yet |
| Pinot Noir Known for its delicate flavors, this one can be a bit more finicky but worth the effort. Expect a quality yield if you treat it right. | No club votes yet |
| Chardonnay If you fancy a white wine grape, Chardonnay is a cracking option. It's pretty adaptable and gives a good, consistent crop. | No club votes yet |
| Riesling A hardy white grape that does well in cooler spots, to be honest. It's a reliable performer that offers a lovely aromatic fruit. | No club votes yet |
| Sauvignon Blanc This variety brings a fresh, zesty character to your harvest. It's a solid choice for a crisp white wine grape on your plot. | No club votes yet |
| Syrah Also known as Shiraz, this one produces deep-colored, full-bodied grapes. It's a vigorous grower and a proper reliable producer. | No club votes yet |
| Zinfandel A versatile grape, giving you both red wines and blush varieties. This is a robust plant that's generally easy to manage once established. | No club votes yet |
| Petit Verdot Often used for blending, this grape adds depth and color. It's a good, strong grower that's a reliable performer in the right conditions. | No club votes yet |
| Malbec Known for its dark fruit and smoky notes, Malbec is a lovely addition to a home vineyard. It's a reliable plant that can adapt to various climates. | No club votes yet |
| Sangiovese The backbone of many Italian wines, this grape needs plenty of sun to ripen fully. It's a dependable choice for a classic red wine grape. | No club votes yet |
| Tempranillo A Spanish favorite that ripens relatively early, which is handy. This variety offers a consistent crop of rich, flavorful grapes. | No club votes yet |
| Gewürztraminer If you're after something a bit different, this aromatic white grape is a treat. It's a reliable performer that brings unique spice notes. | No club votes yet |
| Viognier A less common but cracking white grape, known for its fragrant, full-bodied character. It's a reliable choice for something a bit special. | No club votes yet |
| Grenache This grape thrives in warmer climates and offers sweet, juicy fruit. It's a versatile and robust grower, giving you a good yield. | No club votes yet |
Votes are members rating varieties in their Seed Tin, one vote per gardener. Tap a variety for the full page and where to buy.
Buy Grape (Wine) seeds
Partner retailers. If you buy through these links we may earn a small commission. It never costs you more.
Sowing by USDA zone
| Zone | Sow / plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April to May | August to September |
| Zone 4 | April to May | August to September |
| Zone 5 | March to May | August to October |
| Zone 6 | March to November | July to October |
| Zone 7 | March to November | July to October |
| Zone 8 | February to November | July to November |
| Zone 9 | February to December | June to November |
| Zone 10 | November to February | June to November |
Cook the harvest
A twist on the Italian-American classic where the sauce gains an unexpected layer of sweetness and depth from crushed wine grapes added to the white wine and lemon base. The grape juice melds into the sauce beautifully, giving it a fruity complexity that works brilliantly with the capers and butter.
35 min · mediumA stunning flatbread where wine grapes roast into jammy, concentrated clusters of sweetness against creamy, pungent gorgonzola. A drizzle of honey and a scatter of fresh thyme makes this feel equal parts sophisticated and approachable. Perfect as an appetizer or a light lunch.
30 min · easyThe American classic. Homemade Concord grape jelly has a deep, musky, almost floral richness that the commercial stuff can never match. The process is surprisingly simple and the result is a jewel-purple jelly that makes every PB&J, every piece of toast, and every cheese board significantly better.
45 min · mediumRoasting wine grapes for 15 minutes transforms them into caramelized, jammy little morsels of intense flavor. Tossed with bitter radicchio, toasted walnuts, and creamy blue cheese, this warm-cool salad is one of the great autumn dishes. Best eaten while the grapes are still warm.
25 min · easyWatch for, and grow alongside
Companions: hyssop, basil, blackberries, clover
Questions people ask
When do you sow Grape (Wine) in the US?
Sow Grape (Wine) from March to November in zone 6, earlier or later by zone. Plant out December, after the last frost.
How long does Grape (Wine) take from sowing to harvest?
Roughly 1095 days, with the harvest July to October.
Which Grape (Wine) varieties do gardeners grow again?
Club members rate every variety they grow. This page shows the grow-again votes for Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more.
Track your Grape (Wine) from packet to plate
Sowing reminders and harvest forecasts for your own frost dates, the Seed Tin, Scan Centre for any label or packet, and the Potty Mouth Garden Club. Free to start.
Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 3 September 2026.