How to Grow Grapes: Varieties, Pruning, Calories & Benefits

Grapes were once considered an exotic crop in cooler northern regions, but today, vines are thriving not only in greenhouses but also on garden pergolas, against sunny house walls, and in increasingly large commercial vineyards. As cold-hardy varieties improve, vineyard acreage is expanding into non-traditional climates. In this part of the berry growing guide, we cover which vine species and varieties are best for short seasons, how to plant, prune, and protect them from diseases, as well as grape calories and storage tips.

Latin name	Vitis vinifera and other Vitis species and hybrids
Family	Vitaceae (grape family)
Origin	Mediterranean region, Central Europe, Southwestern Asia
Plant	Perennial climbing vine with tendrils
Varieties	5,000–10,000 varieties of the common grape vine
Berries ripen	Late summer to early fall, depending on the variety and climate
Growing conditions	Requires full sun, well-draining soil, and sturdy supports
Energy value	About 69 kcal per 3.5 oz (100 g)

There are 40–60 vine species worldwide, but the common grape vine is the foundation for wine and table grapes

The grapevine genus is distributed mostly in the Northern Hemisphere and includes 40 to 60 species. The most commercially important include the common grape vine (Vitis vinifera), fox grape (Vitis labrusca), riverbank grape (Vitis riparia), sand grape (Vitis rupestris), and Amur grape (Vitis amurensis). The common grape vine originates from the Mediterranean region, Central Europe, and Southwestern Asia. There are between 5,000 and 10,000 known varieties of this species worldwide, though only a fraction hold commercial significance. Nearly all well-known wine grape varieties belong to this species.

Grapes are among the oldest fruits cultivated by humans. The earliest traces of domesticated grapes were found in Georgia and date back to around 6,000 BC, while the oldest known winery, discovered in Armenia, dates to about 4,100 BC. Botanically, a grape is a true berry: it develops from a single ovary, and the seeds are contained within the fleshy pulp.

Growing grapes in cooler climates is becoming increasingly viable

Over the past five years, vineyard acreage has expanded significantly into cooler northern latitudes. As climate change brings warmer, longer summers to non-traditional growing regions, commercial viticulture is pushing its boundaries. Many areas previously considered too cold for reliable harvests are now producing high-quality local wines.

A warming climate is increasingly favorable for grapes: table varieties that once only ripened in a greenhouse can now often be grown successfully outdoors. Growers in cooler zones note that light-colored, early-ripening grapes are generally the most dependable, as grape maturity is determined by accumulated sugar levels. Additionally, northern growers often face different disease pressures than those in traditional southern wine regions, sometimes allowing for reduced fungicide use.

Cold-hardy, disease-resistant, and early-ripening varieties are best for short seasons

For winemaking in cooler climates, growers often choose disease-resistant (often referred to as PIWI) and cold-hardy varieties and hybrids. For table grapes, early-ripening, frost-tolerant varieties are ideal. Seedless grapes are especially popular, though in marginal climates they are best grown in a greenhouse or trained against a warm, south-facing wall to ensure they ripen fully. Because not all varieties have time to mature during a short northern summer, selecting cultivars specifically bred for your local USDA hardiness zone is crucial.

Grapevines require a sunny, warm location, sturdy supports, and annual pruning

The grapevine is a vigorous climbing shrub that uses tendrils to cling to supports. It requires the sunniest and warmest spot in the garden, ideally sheltered from cold northern winds, with loose, well-draining soil. Vines need sturdy supports—such as wire trellises, pergolas, or arbors. Annual pruning is essential because grapes are produced on the current season's growth. A properly trained and pruned vine yields more abundant, higher-quality fruit and is easier to manage. In regions with severe winters, less cold-hardy varieties may require winter protection, such as laying the vines down and covering them with mulch.

Warm, humid summers are favorable for vine growth but also encourage fungal diseases, particularly powdery mildew and downy mildew. Wet nights combined with warm days create the perfect environment for these pathogens to spread. You can reduce disease risk by planting resistant varieties, ensuring the vine is well-ventilated, and promptly removing excess shoots and leaves around the fruit clusters to improve airflow and sun exposure.

A 3.5-ounce (100 g) serving of grapes contains about 69 calories, but only 3.2 mg of vitamin C

Grapes are higher in calories than most other berries: 3.5 ounces (100 g) of fresh red or green grapes contain about 69 calories due to their high natural sugar content. They are relatively low in vitamin C, providing only about 3.2 mg per 3.5 ounces (100 g), falling far behind black currants or strawberries in this regard. Grapes are about 81% water. Dark-colored grapes are particularly rich in anthocyanins and other beneficial polyphenols.

Grapes are eaten fresh, dried, juiced, and fermented into wine

Grapes are enjoyed fresh, dried to make raisins, pressed for juice, and fermented into wine and vinegar. Vine leaves are also used in many culinary traditions to wrap savory fillings. Fresh grapes are best stored unwashed in the refrigerator and should only be rinsed right before eating. For winter storage, grapes can be frozen—making them a refreshing snack or a substitute for ice cubes in drinks—or cooked into juices, jellies, and jams. Other popular climbing berries for cool-climate gardens include hardy kiwi and schisandra.

Grapes, hardy kiwi, and schisandra: three climbing garden berries

Three climbing berry vines are becoming increasingly popular in home gardens. All of them require sturdy supports, but they differ significantly in their cold hardiness and pollination needs.

Plant	Cold hardiness	Pollination	Fruit
Grapevine	Varies by variety; less hardy types need winter protection	Cultivated varieties are self-fertile	Berries in clusters, late summer to fall
Variegated kiwi (Actinidia kolomikta)	Hardy to about −40°F (−40°C), USDA zones 3–7	Dioecious, requires a male plant	Mini kiwis, 0.07–0.18 oz (2–5 g)
Hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta)	Hardy to about −30°F (−34°C), USDA zones 4–8	Dioecious, though 'Issai' is self-fertile	0.6–1.2 inches (1.5–3 cm), eaten with skin
Schisandra (Magnolia vine)	Hardy to about −22°F (−30°C), USDA zones 4–8	Usually dioecious	Red berries in clusters, late summer to fall

Of these three, grapes are the most demanding when it comes to heat, which is why they must be planted in the sunniest spots and early-ripening varieties chosen for short seasons. Hardy kiwi and schisandra tolerate severe winter cold exceptionally well, but their early spring growth is susceptible to late frosts, and most varieties require a pollinator partner to produce fruit.