Concord grapes are an American classic, famous for their deep purple hue, intense aroma, and sweet, bold flavor. While often associated with grape juice and jams, Concord grapes can also be used to make a uniquely flavorful wine. For home vintners and hobby gardeners alike, growing your own Concord grapes is a rewarding venture that offers both aesthetic beauty and a bounty of fruit for fermentation.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully grow Concord grapes for winemaking.
Why Choose Concord Grapes for Wine?
Although most wine grapes belong to the Vitis vinifera species (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay), Concord grapes come from Vitis labrusca, a species native to North America. Concord grapes are hardy, disease-resistant, and thrive in colder climates where traditional wine grapes might struggle (University of Vermont, 2023).
Their distinct “foxy” flavor profile—an earthy, musky, and fruity taste—creates a wine that stands out. Concord wines tend to be sweet, rich in body, and highly aromatic, making them ideal for dessert wines or casual sipping.
Choosing the Right Location
Location is critical for growing healthy Concord vines. These grapes need:
- Full sun: At least 7-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Well-draining soil: Sandy loam or loamy soils are best, but Concord grapes are adaptable to many soil types.
- Good air circulation: Proper airflow reduces the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
Concord grapes are suited to USDA zones 4 through 8, meaning they can withstand relatively cold winters but still thrive in moderate summers (Iowa State University Extension, 2022).
Planting Concord Grapes
1. Timing
The best time to plant Concord vines is in early spring after the danger of frost has passed but while the vines are still dormant.
2. Spacing
Space vines about 6-8 feet apart within rows, with rows themselves spaced 8-10 feet apart. This ensures each vine has room to spread its canopy and roots.
3. Soil Preparation
Test your soil’s pH—Concord grapes prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Amend soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
4. Planting Process
- Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the vine’s roots.
- Place the vine in the hole, spread the roots outward, and backfill with soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting and apply mulch to help retain moisture.
Trellising and Training
Concord grapevines require support as they grow. The most common system for Concord grapes is the four-arm Kniffin system, which consists of two wires strung horizontally along posts.
Training Steps:
- In the first year, focus on establishing a single strong trunk.
- In the second year, train two lateral canes along the lower wire and two more on the upper wire.
- Tie canes loosely to the wire using garden twine or clips.
Proper trellising ensures better air circulation, sun exposure, and easier harvesting.
Watering and Fertilization
- Watering: Concord grapes need about 1 inch of water per week during the growing season, either from rainfall or supplemental watering.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring before new growth starts. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can encourage excessive foliage at the expense of fruit production.
Pruning for Productivity
Pruning is critical to vine health and fruit quality. Each winter (while vines are dormant), remove about 90% of the previous year’s growth.
Focus on leaving:
- Four strong canes (two on each wire), each with 8-12 buds.
- Renewal spurs at the base of each cane to encourage future growth.
Pruning helps regulate fruit load, ensures proper ripening, and prevents disease by improving airflow.
Pest and Disease Management
Concord grapes are relatively hardy but can still be susceptible to pests and diseases, including:
- Japanese beetles
- Grape berry moths
- Powdery mildew
- Black rot
Implement integrated pest management (IPM) by:
- Removing weeds around the vines.
- Inspecting regularly for pests.
- Applying organic fungicides like sulfur if necessary.
- Encouraging beneficial insects.
Harvesting Concord Grapes
Concord grapes typically ripen in late August to early October, depending on your region. You’ll know they’re ready when:
- The berries are fully purple and detach easily from the vine.
- Seeds are brown inside, signaling full maturity.
- Sugar content reaches about 16-18 Brix (measured with a refractometer), which is ideal for winemaking.
Taste is also a reliable indicator—ripe Concord grapes will be sweet, aromatic, and slightly tart.
Turning Concord Grapes Into Wine
Once harvested, you can start turning your grapes into wine. Here’s a brief overview of the process:
1. Crush and Destem
Use a crusher-destemmer to release the juice and separate stems.
2. Fermentation
Ferment the must (juice, skins, seeds) using either wild yeast or a selected wine yeast strain. Concord grapes often benefit from yeast strains that enhance fruity and floral notes.
3. Pressing
After 5-7 days of primary fermentation on the skins, press the wine to separate the liquid from solids.
4. Secondary Fermentation
Transfer the wine to carboys for secondary fermentation, allowing it to clarify over several weeks.
5. Bottling
Once fermentation is complete and the wine has cleared, bottle your Concord wine. Sweetening may be necessary depending on your taste, as Concord grapes naturally produce a tart finish.
Tips for Better Concord Wine
- Blend with other fruits: Try blending with blueberries, blackberries, or even other grape varieties to soften the “foxy” notes.
- Back-sweeten: Concord wines are often semi-sweet or sweet, which balances their natural acidity.
- Age your wine: Although many Concord wines are consumed young, aging for 6-12 months can help mellow flavors and improve body.
Conclusion
Growing Concord grapes for winemaking is a gratifying project that bridges gardening and home viticulture. With proper care, you can cultivate healthy vines that yield a rich harvest year after year. Whether enjoyed as a standalone wine or blended into creative fruit-forward wines, Concord grapes offer a distinct, nostalgic flavor that reflects the heart of American wine history.
References
- Iowa State University Extension. (2022). Growing grapes in home gardens. Retrieved from https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/growing-grapes-home-gardens
- University of Vermont. (2023). Vitis labrusca: A resilient grape for Northern climates. Retrieved from https://pss.uvm.edu/grape-resources
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (2021). Grape pest management (3rd ed.). UCANR Publications.
