Growing Grapes From the Chardonnay Vine

The Chardonnay originated in the Burgundy wine region of France. It is a green-skinned grape that is used for making white wine. The grape variety is grown worldwide. It is easy to grow grapes from the Chardonnay vine. This fruit is an important component of sparkling wines, including Champagne. There is over 400,000 acres of this grape planted worldwide, and is planted in more regions than any other grape.

The University of California through DNA suggests that the Chardonnay is a cross between the Pinot and Gouais Blach. It is believed that the Gouais Blanc from Balkans was brought to Eastern France by the Romans. The grape grew in close proximity, giving them ample opportunity to interbreed. Many of these crosses showed hybrid vigour.


The Chardonnay grows in 30 or more states in the United States, and can be found in British Columbia, nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec, Canada. The grape grew throughout the 1940s in California. James Zellerbach started the Hanzell Winery in 1950s making Burgundian style Chardonnay and encouraged other Californians to follow suite. In the 1980s California Chardonnay popularity exploded and the state eclipsed that of the French by 1988.

The Chardonnay Grape was first European variety to be produced commercially east of the Rocky Mountains. Even though New York is a cold climate the grape produces very well in this region. Because of the late budding the plant reduces the risk of spring frost in the cold climate.

The vines are grown as other varieties are. The plants need to be planted where they will get plenty of sunlight and air circulation. The best place to plant the vines is on the south side of a hill where the plants will have good drainage. Your vineyard will need at least 10 vines planted to give you enough grapes to produce about 5 gallons of juice. You will need to build a trellis system for the plants grow on. The soil should be tested before planting, and any necessary nutrients that need to be added to the soil should be added. When planting the vines the wholes should be bigger than the root ball on the plant. Make sure the roots are not crowded in the whole. After planting the vine remember to keep the watered until you notice new growth beginning to form on the vines.

After planting vines and they begin to run you will need to teach them to run the trellis system you have built. The vines will need to be wrapped loosely around the wire and post. As the vines grow you will need to keep them pruned. Also, when the vines begin producing grapes you may need to as some fertilizer to the soil to help the plants feed the fruit. You will also need to keep pest away from your vines. If you are having bug problems you may need to apply some type of pesticide to the plants. If you are having problems with animals and birds aluminum pie plates tied on poles might scare them away. But the main thing about growing your own grapes is to always have fun and enjoy the experience.