Growing grapes isn’t simply about planting vines on a great plot of land and hoping that you get great grapes in order to make your own brand of wine. Factors affect the growing of grapes and they range from climate factors and yield issues and ultimately this will affect the way and manner in which these grapes are grown and harvested.

One solution to the problems of growing grapes is to grow hybrids. Hybrids offer a lot to the average person growing their grapes. This applies most especially to people who are growing grapes where they live in order to make their own particular wines.

You have to make a decision on the particular grapes to grow but hybrids are usually the more popular option due to the fact that they have successfully adapted to different climates as well as different growing methods and conditions.

Hybrids have an interesting history and the history is somewhat similar to the history of the grapes which were taken from Europe to North American in order to start the grape industry. In the case of hybrid grapes North American grapes were taken to Europe in other to strengthen the wine industry in Europe. Diseases where wiping out the European grape population. The most prominent of these diseases and disease causing organisms was the phylloxera louse. This louse wiped out entire populations of great European vineyards. When compared to their European counterparts, North American vineyards rarely suffered from these forms of outbreaks anymore.

Decisions had to be made in order to save the industry in Europe and of particular concern: the French wine industry. Someone suggested that the disease resistant varieties of American grapes should be combined together with European grapes and crossed to create entirely new varieties of grapes that had a European flavor as well as the American disease resistance. It was from here that the first hybrid grapes started.The hybrid crop handled the required task of saving the wine industry in Europe but as far as the wine industry was concerned, the wines they produced were hardly special.

As time progressed, a lot more work was done in the cultivation of these hybrid grapes and things started to look much better. Greater yields were harvested and the grapes made wine so good that the entire wine industry in Europe was turned around and retained its reputation for stocking wonderful wines.

Hybrid grapes adopted elements from both grapes and affected the way in which they grew. These differences must be thoroughly understood in order for these grapes to be grown properly. The growing habits of grapes should be understood as this tends to affect details of how they tend to attach to trellises and the right ones to be used. You also have to think about how often they are pruned and the methods that are utilized to do the pruning.

Despite the fact that these grapes are grown the world over, you want to ensure that you choose the right grapes which will grow properly where you live. Simply because it’s called hybrid, does not mean that it has magic growing properties but it still has growing needs which must be taken care of.

The love of wine has existed since the dawn of time. Fossil vines, 60-million-years-old, are the earliest scientific evidence of grapes. The earliest written account of viniculture is in the Old Testament of the Bible which tells us that Noah planted a vineyard and made wine (well with all those animals on the Ark what was he expected to do!)

Exactly when it was discovered is unknown, but an ancient Persian fable credits a lady of the court with the discovery of wine. This Princess, having lost favor with the King, attempted to poison herself by eating some table grapes that had spoiled in a jar. She became intoxicated and giddy and fell asleep. When she awoke, she found the stresses that had made her life intolerable had dispersed. Returning to the source of her relief, her subsequent conduct changed so remarkably that she regained the King’s favor. He shared his daughter’s discovery with his court and …

The wine industry and consumption continues to grow every year. Wine connoisseur are continually buying great wine to keep either for later consumption or for investment.

One of the most important aspects to ensure your wine stays fresh during storage is the wine storage temperature.

The basics of wine storage temperature are fairly simple. First, the wine should be kept cool. Like most beverages and foods, heat is the natural enemy of wine. A cool temperature is optimal, but the temperature should not lowered too much as this too will harm the wine. In the unlikely event that the wine freezes, it will probably only be suitable for vinegar!

The basics of wine storage are really straightforward with whites, reds, and blushes. However, the serving preparation for each of these wine types is different and something worth discussing. After removing the bottle from storage, getting your wine to the correct temperature is important. With red wines, such as a merlot or sheraz, approximately 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) is what is recommended. This is basically room temperature. Secret tip: in a room of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit the wine, due to being a liquid will naturally be cooler. It is highly advised to not chill red wines. This is a more common error than you think, the cold can be very destructive on the wine and its flavor.

With whites and many blushes the need for refrigeration before serving is key. Chilling truly brings out the flavor. For these types of wine 39 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 degrees Celsius is usually a good temperature.

In the case of both darker wines and the lighter types, it is advisable to let the bottle ‘breathe’ after opening. It is recommended you do this about half an hour before drinking (longer is often better)

Now to tasting. Swish the wine around the mouth to truly get the most out of the flavor. I however recommend drinking as opposed to spitting it out!

In the end ENJOY the wine, it is after all a pleasure that has been with us for centuries.