Grape vine in Scotland?

[il_cacciatore]

Hello everyone! This looks an interesting forum.

I was wondering if it is possible to successfully grow and fruit grape vines outdoors in Scotland. I have heard on several occasions people talking of outdoor vines, the furthest north I've heard is Stirling but is this hear-say or is it possible in practical terms?

Maybe vitis vinifera grapes might not work but perhaps hybrids or labrusca grapes (or similar) are a possibility?

Whats the consensus?

[Alice]

Hello Il Cacciatore, and welcome to the Vine. I'm sorry I don't have too much information for you about outdoor vines. I think Scotland is just about at the northern limits for growing, in commercial terms anyway, but it may be possible if you have a well placed site and willing to risk it personally. Some organisation was talking about planting a commercial site on a south facing slope on the Carse of Gowrie, near Stirling, but I don't know if that came to fruition. At the moment the company make fruit wines - you might know who I mean. They have a gaelic name something like Caer na Mhor (Sp ???). Good grapes can certainly be grown in greenhouses here. I have a friend who produces lovely grapes every year.
And another grape, I'm sure it was SueA, grows lovely grapes outdoors in Manchester.
What were you thinking about growing ? And what else do you grow ?

[il_cacciatore]

Hi.

I haven't heard of that particular plan so this seems to add to the possibility.

I believe that white grapes are the most successful in dull climates and I had it narrowed down to some possibilities but I since lost the shortlist of varieties - Reichensteiner, Seyval Blanc and Bianca were some I believe. I wasn't really considering growing them but was more interested in the possibilities: I could perhaps grow one on a south facing wall. In the greenhouse they take too much space so thought it was a bad idea.

I have an allotment and have a few fruit trees (Lord Lambourne apple, Conference pear, Marjorie's seedling plum and Stella cherry) not on the allotment of course cause that would be against the rules. Also grow tomatoes and cucumbers in the greenhouse.

[pigletwillie]

I cant remember who but a Scottish grape grows "Lakemont" very well under cover. That is a white variety.

[il_cacciatore]

Isn't 'Lakemont' a table grape? Table grapes require a higher sugar content than wine grapes so that looks promising.

[Alice]

Hello again, I'm putting on the link to this site as it does provide some information and the names of some suggested varieties. I would think with a good summer and a south facing wall you could have success if you were determined to do it. Good luck.
Growing Vines Outdoors

[pigletwillie]

It is indeed.

[mandyballantyne]

Hi and welcome to the vine,

Sorry I don't know about vines but I do know that they very sucsefully grow vines outdoors in Perth. I don't know what type but they produce the car no moor (sorry it should be the galic spelling!) range of rather nice wine!!

I am sure they would be able to advise, where are you in ayrshire ?

Mandy

[il_cacciatore]

Hi. I am in Prestwick.

That link is useful, thanks.

I was under the impression that Cairn no mohr (sp?) was fruit a winery.

[il_cacciatore]

Found a useful link, this appears to be official list of recommended varieties for Scotland (Regulations 5 and 6(1)(a)). http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/s...2/20020325.htm or have I got the wrong end of the stick?

[Alice]

Gee Whiz, had a look at that link What is that about And do you have to hunt that little kitten Just grow the grapes and forget the regulations . If you don't tell, neither will I

[SueA]

Hi, Alice was right it is me who has a grapevine outdoors in Manchester but I'm afraid I don't know what variety it is. It's a black grape & is probably more suited to wine making than eating although when I bought it the label said it was suitable as a dessert grape.I grow it over an arch in our south facing garden. I would imagine it should be possible to grow grapes for wine production in Scotland outdoors & dessert grapes in a greenhouse depending on where the vines are sited.
Pic. of my grapes last autumn.

[sewer rat]

There is another winery about 10 miles west of Inverness - Moniack - so if we can grow grapes up here, should be okay further south.
As an aside, they reckon that if global warming and climate change continue unchecked, Scotland will be one of the worlds major wine producing countries within 50 years

[il_cacciatore]

That gov. link appears to list vines that would survive in this climate...

SueA, it looks like it could be Brandt.

I think I'll give it a go with Reichensteiner against a South facing wall and Fragola (Isabella, strawberry grape) in the greenhouse - the best table grape there is!

[Alice]

Good luck with that Il Cacciatore. I'm sure they will do great. And thanks SueA for posting your grapes again. Just fabulous. You must be delighted with them.