Growing Grapes in Western Washington: A Guide to Success
Western Washington's cool, maritime climate might not be the first place you think of when it comes to grape growing, but with the right approach and choice of varieties, it can be an excellent region for both table and wine grapes. While this region's growing season can be challenging, especially compared to drier and warmer areas like Eastern Washington or California, it also offers unique opportunities to cultivate grapes with distinctive flavors.
Choosing the Right Grape Varieties
Selecting a suitable grape variety is crucial to success. Western Washington's climate is characterized by mild summers and unpredictable falls, so grape varieties with early ripening periods are essential. Both table and wine grapes (Vitis spp.) can be grown here successfully, but they have different needs regarding heat and growing conditions.
Here are some tried-and-true varieties for Western Washington:
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Lynden Blue | A very early blue/black grape with large, sweet berries and some seeds. It's a great option if you want something dependable that ripens in cooler seasons. |
| Interlaken Seedless | One of the earliest maturing white seedless varieties, Interlaken is known for its reliability and productivity. This grape has a crisp texture and excellent sweetness when grown in a warm location. |
| Reliance | This early red grape is a favorite for fresh eating and juice. It produces abundant, flavorful, and firm fruit. |
| Canadice | Canadice is an early, pinkish-red grape that is versatile and suitable for table use and winemaking. Its small berries have a slight spice, making them popular among home growers. |
| Vanessa | Another early variety, Vanessa is a red, seedless grape that resembles the popular Flame seedless variety. It grows medium-sized berries that are ideal for snacking. |
| Campbell Early/Island Belle | This blue/black grape ripens in the mid to late season, making it a bit more challenging to grow unless you have a warm microclimate. When conditions are right, it provides an excellent harvest suitable for table use, juice, or wine. |
Newer varieties are also worth trying if you're looking to experiment:
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| Jupiter | A promising red seedless grape, Jupiter has a fruity, muscat-like flavor that stands out. It ripens early enough to do well in Western Washington. |
| Neptune | This green seedless grape produces large, crisp berries and is resistant to disease, making it suitable for less-than-perfect conditions. |
| Agria | For wine enthusiasts, Agria is a productive, early-ripening red grape with a rich boysenberry flavor. It's an excellent option for home winemakers and also makes delicious juice. |
Making Grape Juice
If winemaking is not your goal, growing grapes for juice is a rewarding alternative. Many varieties that work well for table use are also excellent for juice production. Here are some things to consider when selecting grapes specifically for juice:
Varieties for Juice: Grapes like Reliance, Canadice, Campbell Early/Island Belle, and Agria are all well-suited for juice making. Reliance is excellent for juice because of its sweetness and flavor. At the same time, Campbell Early/Island Belle produces a rich, dark juice that is perfect for blending or enjoying on its own.
Harvesting for Juice: Grapes intended for juice should be picked when they reach their peak sweetness. This ensures the juice has a balanced flavor without too much-added sugar. Taste testing is key—pick grapes that are sweet but still have a hint of acidity for the best juice flavor.
Processing: Once harvested, grapes can be crushed and strained to extract the juice. Depending on your preference, you can pasteurize the juice to ensure it stays fresh longer or freeze it later. Many home growers also use steam juicers, making the process easier and producing clear, flavorful juice.
Site Selection and Care
Western Washington grape growers face a crucial challenge: warmth. The site you choose for your vineyard is vital to producing grapes with good sweetness and full flavor. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the right spot:
Find the Warmest Spot: Grape vines need full sun exposure and warmth to ripen correctly. Look for a south-facing slope or wall that captures as much sun as possible. Using a wall or fence as a heat sink can help boost temperatures around the plants, which is particularly important for sweeter table grapes.
Soil Preparation: Grapes prefer well-drained soil. Adding organic matter and ensuring good drainage through mounding or raised beds can improve heavy clay soils.
Pruning and Training: Proper pruning is essential for grape health and productivity. Grapes need to be pruned annually to maintain vigor and keep them productive. The most common training systems for Western Washington are the spur-pruned cordon and cane-pruned systems, both of which help balance fruit production and growth.
Disease Management: Western Washington's damp climate can lead to mildew and other fungal issues. Look for disease-resistant varieties, and practice good airflow management by spacing vines appropriately and maintaining an open canopy. Organic sulfur sprays can also help to control powdery mildew.
Harvest and Enjoy
Pro Tip: To know when your grapes are ready for harvest, look for a combination of sweetness, color, and ease of detaching from the vine. Grapes should be sweet with a slight hint of acidity, and the berries should come off easily when pulled. Taste testing is your best guide!
Most grape varieties in Western Washington are ready to harvest from late August to mid-October. Be sure to taste test your grapes before picking—the acidity should be balanced by sweetness and full flavor. Grapes do not continue to ripen after they are picked, so it's essential to wait until they reach the desired taste.
Growing grapes in Western Washington might require more care and attention than other regions, but the rewards are worth it. Whether aiming for fresh table grapes, homemade juice, or even crafting your own wine, the suitable varieties and a good site will make all the difference.
Get Started on Your Vineyard
Western Washington's climate might be more relaxed, but you can cultivate a productive and flavorful grapevine with the proper preparation and patience. Consider starting with one of the proven varieties like Interlaken or Canadice, and don't be afraid to experiment with newer options like Agria or Jupiter. Your backyard vineyard can become a rewarding source of fresh produce—and maybe even your own vintage or homemade grape juice!
Share your grape-growing journey with us! I'd love to see your vineyard and hear about your experiences.
Additional Reading:
Washington State University Extension. Extension Bulletin, no. 0775, Feb. 1997. Washington State University Extension, https://hdl.handle.net/2376/6590.