Grapes F.A.Q.s

Mon, 2010/03/15 - 1:01am — admin
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Are there any replant grants for grapes?

Currently there are no replant grants available to growers in BC.

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Where can I plant wine grapes?

Climatic conditions are the main determinant of suitable locations for grape growing. Grapes need a warm climate with a growing season of at least 175 days. The single most limiting factor for growing grapes is spring and fall frosts which may prevent grapes from ripening or developing by damaging leaves or buds in the vineyards. Winter temperatures are a further limiting factor outside the Okanagan region. Grapes also need lots of sunshine and heat units. In the Okanagan Valley, grape vines need to be irrigated because the Valley receives less than 30mm of annual precipitation.

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What are the best wine grape varieties?

In general, match varieties to your soil, climate and your site always tempered by the demand by the wineries for your particular variety choices. In the Okanagan/Similkameen, the most popular red varieties are: Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Gamay Noir. The most popular white varieties in the Okanagan/Similkameen are: Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. In general, white varieties do better in the cooler areas and red varieties do better in the warmer areas, however, some varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot noir can produce quality fruit in cool and warm regions.

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What are best fresh market grape varieties?

Presently, the predominant fresh market grape variety planted in BC is Sovereign Coronation. Other varieties planted include traditional seeded varieties, but are much smaller in acreage than Coronation. Green seedless varieties may include Sooke, Skookum and Jade.

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How do I get started planting a vineyard?

The first step to planting a vineyard is to develop a solid marketing plan. For example, if you were planning on producing wine grapes you may be contacting wineries to see if they are looking for additional acreages of grapes to buy for their wine production. The second step is to determine if the site is suitable for grape production and if so which varieties will suit the site. It is advised that you contact a viticulturist to deal with the more technical parts of planning and planting a vineyard. Some wineries will assist you with this process.

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Do I need irrigation for grapes?

Yes, if you are planting grapes in the Okanagan/Similkameen regions you will need to plan on an irrigation system for your vineyard operations. Other areas may or may not need irrigation depending on the amount of rainfall. Growers should research water requirement for their specific varieties.

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Which varieties are suited for cool season climates or coastal varieties?

Consult the Grape Management Guide for more information of suitable varieties for cooler areas.

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What types of soils are suitable for grape production?

Generally, any well-drained soil can be suitable for grape production. There is a tendency for vines to produce high vigour in heavier soils. It should be noted that many good vineyard sites are located on poorer, rockier soils.

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What is VQA and how do you get VQA status?

VQA (Vinters Quality Alliance) is set of standards upheld by the BC Wine Institute to ensure consumers of wine quality. In order to gain VQA status, individual wines are evaluated by wine experts who certify wine only if it meets or exceeds appellation standards. In addition to the tasting category, certification is based on winery audits, laboratory analysis, label approval, packaging and other standards. See the BC Wine Institute website or contact them personally for more information on VQA status and standards.

Please note that a new regulation will be implemented sometime in 2005 and InfoBasket will be updated to include these changes.

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What are the main pests and diseases that affect grapes?

The main insect pests of concern to BC grape growers are leafhoppers and cutworms. Diseases of economic importance in BC are powdery mildew and bunch rot. See infobasket section on pests and diseases or Grape Management Guide for more information on these and others. The BCMAL Plant Diagnostic Laboratory in Abbotsford provides a pest, plant disease and weed identification service for a small fee.

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What markets are there for wine grapes?

Most vineyards in BC sell grapes locally to wineries in the area, although a small amount of wine grapes are exported.

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How do I establish my farm gate winery?

The first step to establishing a farm gate winery is thoroughly gather and understand all the rules and regulations regarding establishment, production and marketing of wine in BC. A winery license is mandatory and is obtained through the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch. Even after you have a winery license, there are many requirements that must be met in order for you to sell your wine. It strongly recommended that you put together a complete business plan for your operation in order to understand the finances and potential opportunities and challenges of the operation. The BC Wine Institute may be a useful resource for more information regarding establishment of a farm gate winery. It may also be wise to hire a consultant to help you make good start up decisions.

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What advisory services are available for grape growers?

Private consultants are often the best form of advisory services available to grape growers in BC. Wineries have some field service available to growers contracted with the winery. Agri-chemical and equipment retailers can also provide advice on product selection and use. In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands may be able to offer some assistance with general questions and concerns of grape growers in the province.

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How do I contact industry associations?

BC Wine Institute
1737 Pandosy Street
Kelowna, BC  V1Y 1R2
Phone:  250 762-9744
Toll Free:  1 800 661-2294
Fax:  250 762-9788
Email: info@winebc.com
Website: http://www.winebc.com/contactus.php

B.C. Independent Grapegrowers’ Association
PO Box 2462 Stn R
Kelowna, BC  V1X 6A5
Phone:  762-4652
Fax:  765-7820
Email:  info@grapegrowers.bc.ca
Website:  http://www.grapegrowers.bc.ca/about_us.htm

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Who are the industry suppliers?

Bleasdale Sales Ltd.
555 Okanagan East
Penticton, BC  V2A 3K4
Phone:  250 493-0137
Fax:  250 493-9110
Website:  http://www.greatwestrefrigeration.com/

Cellar-Tek Supplies Unlimited
1043 Richter Street
Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 2K4
Phone: 250 215-WINE (9463)
Toll Free: 1-877-460-WINE (9463)
Fax: 250 868-0186
Website:  http://www.cellartek.com/index-1.htm

Great West Refrigeration Ltd.
#3 – 1698 Cary Road
Kelowna, BC  V1X 2B9
Phone:  250 763-4117
Fax:  250 763-9555

Growers Supply Co. Ltd.
360 E. Okanagan Ave.
Penticton, BC  V2A 8N3
Phone:  250 493-2885

Munckhof Manufacturing
3407 – 89th Street
Oliver, BC  V0H 1T0
Phone:  250 498-4426
Fax:  250 498-4460

Neal Carter and Associates Ltd.
Phone:  250 494-1099
Fax:  250 494-0338
Website:  http://www.birdnetting.net/

Okanagan Ag & Turf Equipment
675 Adams Crt
Kelowna, BC  V1X7S2
Phone:  250 765-9765
Fax:  250 765-9102
Toll Free:  1 877 765-3337

Okanagan Wind Machine
9717 372nd Ave
Oliver, BC V0H1T0
Phone:  250 498-6498

Redden Net Co. Ltd.
3700 Moncton Street
Richmond, BC  V7E 3A4
Phone:  604 274-1422
Fax:  604 274-9068
Website:  http://www.redden-net.com/agricultural-netting.cfm

South Valley Sales
34625 91st St.
Oliver, BC  V0H1T0
Phone:  250 498-6406
Fax:  250 498-4022

Zeller & Son Enterprise Ltd.
2360 Naramata
Naramata, BC  V0H1N0
Phone:  250 496-5338
Fax:  250 496-5886

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Where do I get grape plant material?

BC Vine Biotechnology Inc.
101-596 Martin Street
Penticton, BC  V2A 5L4
Phone:  250 490-3697
Toll Free:  1 888 490-8758
Fax:  250 490-3678
Website: http://www.bcvinebiotechnology.com/

Chateau des Charmes Wines Ltd.
P.O. Box 280 St. Davids,
Ontario, ON  L0S 1P0
Phone:  905 945-0719 or 905 945-6584

Gemmrich Vineyard Nursery Inc.
RR #6 1136 Line4
Niagara-on-the-Lake ON  L0S 1J0
Phone:  905 468-4324
Fax:  905 468-8595

International Viticulture Services Inc.
38 Murray Street
Grimsby, ON  L3M 3N8
Phone:  905 945-0719 or 905 945-6584
BC Representative: Frank Whitehead
Phone:  250 878-3656

Mori-Vines Inc.
RR#2
Niagara-on-the-Lake ON  L0S 1J0
Phone:  905 468-0822
Fax:  905 468-0344
BC Representative: Ron Fornier, Oliver, BC
Phone:  250 498-3350
Fax:  250 498-3301

Tappen Valley Growers
Ted Squire – RR#1 Site 9A C-4 1550
1550 Tappen Notch Hill Road,
Tappen, BC  V0E 2X0
Phone:  250 835-8501

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How do I import grape plants?

In Canada, all grape imports are carefully monitored and controlled by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). In order to keep Canadian vineyards as virus free as possible, a number of requirements must be met or exceeded before grape materials can be imported into the country. Currently commercial grapevines may be imported from approved nurseries in Washington, Oregon, California, France or Germany. Imports from non-approved sources are allowed for research purposes only. In addition, all importers must have an import permit obtained from the CFIA in order for their products to be shipped into the country. Contact the CFIA for more information on importing grape materials.

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How can I obtain a current copy of the Management Guide for Grapes for Commercial Growers?

The Management Guide for Grapes is produced as a joint project between the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands (BCMAL) and the British Columbia Wine Institute (BCWI).

The guide is available from the BCWI at a cost of $30/copy (includes GST, delivery and updates).

1737 Pandosy Street
Kelowna, BC  V1Y 1R2
Phone:  250-762-9744
Toll Free:  1 800 661-2294
Fax:  250 762-9788
Email: info@winebc.com
Website:  http://www.winebc.com/contactus.php

The guide is also available at South Valley Sales, Oliver and Keremeos. Information on updates and ordering is also available on the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands website at: http://www.al.gov.bc.ca/grape/publications/best_practices_guide_intropage.htm.

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