Growing grapes in Southestern Wisconsin?

Question

I'm considering trying to get some grapevines started here in Southeastern Wisconsin. I read somewhere that all grapes can do well here if planted on a south wall, so I know my garage wall would be perfect. Nice sun almost all day, and in general protected from bad winds. But, then, what kind of grapes? Of course I would prefer the seedless, white or red, but I've also heard they don't have as much taste as the one's with the seeds. I've heard Concord grapes do well here. Can anyone give me any advice with this? My brother and I are willing to build the trellis and/or put up posts that they would need. I've also heard if you can get them going good they will produce up to 40 years. Any help is appreciated! Janice

Answer 1

Janice, 3 years ago I went to a wonderful seminar on pruning grapes for yield put on by the UWEX in Westfield Hancock Research Station. The UWEX has been testing grapes for like 10 years trying to encourage farmers with small acreage to grow grapes to sell to the burgeoning wine makers in WI. Currently they are importing the grape juice to make WI wines.

www.learningstore.uwex.edu/pdf.A1656.PDF

Also as they taught us to prune they let us take all the cuttings we wanted. I propagated many of these jam/jelly and juice/wine grape cutting. I have dozens of grape plants.

Answer 2

My grandpa lived in Madison til he passed away, & I remember he had a huge garden. Most of the backyard. He grew alot of concord grapes in there. They were out in the open, but the yard was lined with big trees on the south & west sides. He just had them growing on what I remember to be pieces of tall fencing. Had tons of grapes every year, made alot of juice & jelly.