Step 8: Technical Know-How of Growing Grapes

While site selection is one of the most important factor associated with growing grapes, technical know how is essential to ensuring quality grapes year after year. Growing wine grapes is both an art and science. Spacing, planting, trellising, irrigation, pruning, fencing, fertilization, pest control and harvesting all require specific knowledge and skills. Each of these components done well combines to produce excellent fruit, the main ingredient in superior wines.

For more information, you may order the Arizona Viticulture Guide from AWGA member, Dr. Mike Kilby. It provides a brief description of factors relating to teh establishment of a wine grape vineyard in Arizona. This is the ONLY guide that is Arizona specific and examines wine production issues in our state. Topics include Vineyard Establishment Guide, Site Selection, Soils, Rootstocks, Climate, Vine Spacing, Irrigation, Grow Tubes, Pruning, Weed Control and Varmints.

To order, please send a check for $30 to Dr. Mike Kilby, PO Box 1567, Sahuarita, AZ 85629. You may also email Dr. Kilby to learn more at mkilby@ag.arizona.edu. Please allow two weeks for processing.

(The AWGA did not create this guide. This is provided by one of our members who has been involved in the industry since its inception.)

Move onto Step 9

Return to Start A Vineyard