How to Grow Grape Vines in Cold Weather

Yes, it is true; grapes are typically associated with warm weather climates. When you think of a vineyard, are you thinking of an endless California field filled with trellises brightened by the glare of the sun? Well, California is not the only place that can give a grape-vine the decibel taste of the brilliant sun. Just because some people live in a colder climate, it does not mean that they can't grow grapes successfully.


Putting aside the climate, an essential to successful grape growing is the sun. Grape vines need to receive a lot of sunshine to produce grapes that contain a large amount of sugar to make wine. By providing an adequate amount of sunshine for your vines, you will also be giving your vines the potential to produce the grapes before the cold season sets in. Try to pick a spot on your property that will offer your vines with a good amount of air circulation to help them to grow healthy.

Why should the cooler temperatures of certain regions stop you from growing healthy, successful vines?

Regions with cooler temperatures typically also have somewhat stronger winds. Be ready to cover your vines to protect them the potential damage that strong winds might inflict on them. If the winds cause your vines to become too cold, they will have trouble producing fruit. However, a moderate amount of wind is actually good for the vine. It helps the vine to cut heat accumulation.

Sometimes in colder temperatures, the bright and warm days of the winter will heat up the dark trunks of a grape-vine. Unfortunately, when the colder temperatures of sunset hit, your vines may become damaged. In order to avoid this catastrophe, try painting the trunk of the grape-vine with white latex paint. By painting it white, you can help to prevent this drastic change in temperature from affecting the vine. You can also train the trunk of your vines to face north or the northeast side of a stake. The sun will not hit the trunk as hard and therefore, will not heat it up as much.

You can also protect your grape vines during the winter if you bury the vine in the soil or under mulch. If you have snow in the area, it can actually give more protect then damage to a vine that is buried. However, If you are going to use mulch to bury the vine, make sure that you take proper rodent control measures. Also, if you are going to bury the vine, make sure that it is completely covered. If shoots are left protruding from the soil or the mulch, they can become damaged.

Overall, winter and colder temperatures do pose a very real threat to grape vines especially those that are established and fruit bearing. In the colder regions, it is imperative to protect the vines. Many have ventured forth with this undertaking and many, many have succeeded. While it is important to protect your grape vines from the harshness of winter, it is not impossible to successfully grow delicious grapes in colder climates.