Grapevines

When we think of grapevines, they're usually the ones we've seen on holiday while sitting under the shade of a pergola eating, drinking and having a siesta, with the grapes dangling enticingly through the rafters. What a lovely thought...mmm...

Pergola Shade

Recreating this relaxed atmosphere in our own gardens is very manageable. And, yes, we can even grow grapes in this country. They are not only highly decorative but productive too.

At one time, it was thought that grapes would only grow in warmer and drier climes. Obviously the warmer the better. But with our climate becoming warmer all the time, and knowing the vines best suited to our weather, it is now possible to achieve reasonable success with these fabulously productive climbers.

Why Grow Grapes Over a Pergola?

One of the lovely things about growing grapevines is that they can be both productive and ornamental. In spring and summer, the fresh green leaves gradually create a beautiful living canopy, while the developing bunches of grapes add another layer of interest as the season progresses.

If you’re thinking of growing grapes over a pergola, these free pergola plans can be adapted to suit the space you have. 

A grapevine can be a particularly good choice for a pergola because it naturally wants to climb. With some guidance and regular pruning, the stems can be trained along the posts and across the rafters, gradually creating shade overhead. As the leaves change through the seasons, the pergola itself can look quite different from one month to the next.

There is also something rather special about sitting underneath a pergola and looking up at real bunches of grapes hanging above you. Of course, the amount of fruit you eventually get will depend on the variety, the amount of sunshine and the growing conditions, but even without a huge harvest, a grapevine can make a beautiful addition to the garden.

Grapevines do need pruning to keep them productive and to stop the growth becoming too dense. This is particularly important on a pergola, where you still want the structure to look attractive and avoid creating a heavy mass of tangled stems. But once established, a well-trained vine can become one of those garden features that gets better and better each year.

How To Grow Grape Vines

Grapevines need lots of sun and warmth to form and ripen the fruit so it is important to put them where they will produce their best crop. South or west facing is really a must. They can be trained to grow over a pergola, on a house or garden wall, over a fence or a shed and even trained as a low hedge.

If you are keen to have a go and eager to enjoy these wonderful fruits, there is excellent help at hand, with no experience needed.  

The Complete Grape Growing System shows how to grow grapevines successfully, from a single vine trailing over pergola rafters, to a whole vineyard project - anywhere in the world!  Danie, a professional grape grower, will take you through all the steps you need to grow the best and juiciest grapes.

The main thing is that the grapes are sheltered and warm. Look in your garden to see if there is a structure that provides a bit of a sun trap over which the vine can climb.  If you don't have one, there are several pergola designs to choose from right here and many pergola kits, too, in wood, metal or vinyl.

The ideal time to grow grapevines is between autumn and early spring, so start planning early to make the most of the summer months. 

Best Varieties of Grapevines

Now to the grapes themselves.  Here are several varieties that either crop well or make a lovely decorative shade for your pergola:

Grape Vines

Using Your Grapes

You now have the know how, and know where to find the grape vines. Now all you need to do is decide what to do with the fruit!

Your plants will indeed look superb, and provide good shade on the rafters of your pergola, but of course you'll want to make the most of your fabulous produce.

Wine is the most obvious (although probably the most difficult!), but these wonderful fruits can be used for many other things, too.

Try making a colourful fruit salad for those warm summer evenings; a healthy juice to boost your immune system; a smoothie mixed with other fruits; a wonderful dessert; or, last but not least, eat them fresh from the vine!

Or serve your freshly picked grapes with warm rye or sourdough bread, a selection of cheeses, fresh figs, nuts, charcuterie or cold meats, olives and perhaps a little chutney or honey — the perfect sharing board for a warm summer evening.

You could also make your own grape jelly or jam, freeze some for later, or simply serve a bowl of freshly picked grapes with cheese and a glass of wine. There is something very satisfying about enjoying fruit that you have grown yourself, especially when it has been picked straight from your own garden.

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