The Grape Grower: A Guide to Organic Viticulture

by Lon Rombough

Grapes are the most popular and widely grown fruit in the world. From the tropics to Alaska, grapes will grow successfully in almost every climate. Whether you raise them for fresh eating, or for making wine, juice, or jellies and preserves, the right grapes will reward you with abundant crops for a modest investment of time and effort. Now for the first time comes a book for grape growers who wish to use organic growing methods to raise healthy, thriving vineyards in the backyard or on a small commercial scale. The Grape Grower distills the broad knowledge and long-time personal experience of Lon Rombough, one of North America's foremost authorities on viticulture. From finding and preparing the right site for your vineyard to training, trellising, and pruning vines to growing new grapes from seeds and cuttings, The Grape Grower offers thorough and accessible information on all the basics. The chapters on grape species, varieties, and hybrids are alone worth the price of a college course in viticulture. Technical information on the major (and minor) insect pests and diseases that affect grapes, as well as their organic controls, makes this book an invaluable reference that readers will turn to again and again. Rombaugh also provides a wealth of information on hardy but little-known grapes that are native to North America, and on a wide range of topics,

Genres: Gardening, Wine, Agriculture

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2002

Reviews

[Robert Houston · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are serious about growing grapes this book is a must read. I have already altered what I'm doing in my vineyard based on this and I feel that I have real insight into natural plant cycles I have observed in my yard without realizing why they were happening.

this book is awesome

[Gantumur · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I have ever read

[Philbeert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great reference/textbook overall. I found it to be structured in a way that the author assumes you will purely reference a section or two rather than reading cover to cover and as a result covers the same concepts a few times. A wonderful look at a large variety of grapes which makes selecting a type for your region much easier. I found From Vines to Wines: The Complete Guide to Growing Grapes and Making Your Own Wine a better source for a beginner's look at planting grapes, however, this book would be very beneficial to the more advanced grower.

[Justin K. Rivers · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's comprehensive, detailed, and specific. Gives you all the details needed to start growing grapes yourself, and even includes information on grape breeding and grafting. Basically, it will get you started and will remain useful if you become more serious about viticulture. It gets a bit technical in places, but I found that very helpful, since many other gardening books do not provide enough concrete specific information.

The only slight qualm I have is that it came out in 2002, so if you want to get the latest on new grape breeds and issues involving the changing climate, you will have to check online. The author himself has a very useful web site.

[Lucinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, this guy knows his grapes! I learned why I didn't have a good crop this year and what I did wrong, but the book is not a practical guide. It is very scientific and detailed for the real enthusiast. I just want to know the basics so I can make grape juice this year! It is inspiring to realize that anyone and everyone can and should grow grapes! Get gardening people! Feed yourselves from your own soil!

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who's tried to care for a vineyard knows that information can be spotty and inconsistant at best. A host of resources offer tidbits of information that must be culled, a little from this book, a little from that one. In his book, Ron really provides a solid anchor of practical information.

If you buy only one book on viticulture, make it this one.

[Tarn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really the best little tome for anyone interested in viticulture outside of the mainstream - for the organic growers especially. Fun and informative from a renowned enthusiast.

[Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tons of useful information on training and propagating vines,and on common pests and management. A bit weak on discussion of various climates and soils.

[Cameron · Rating 3 out of 5]

A potentially useful reference for grape growers.

[Casey Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good all around vineyard book, not bent towards California but for every climate.