Released on: March 18, 2008, 11:59 am

Press Release Author: mathew guiver

Industry: Real Estate

Press Release Summary: If you are planning to grow your own grapes you will be
surprised at how difficult the process can be. Fortunately, Rim Rock Ranch has
collected 11 grape growing secrets wine growers don't want you to know.

Press Release Body: Lake County, CA - Consider the following 11 grape growing
secrets and you will be ready to produce wine like the professionals.

"Ask anyone who grows grapes and they will tell you that it is a long and difficult
process to produce quality wine," notes Chris Taylor of Rim Rock Ranch. "Fortunately
for you, we've gathered the top 11 grape growing secrets wine growers don't want you
to know. Follow these tips and you will be amazed at how delicious your wine turns
out.

1. Check with the local horticultural society to see which grapes are best to plant
in your area before planting anything. Grape plants often take years to bear fruit,
and it\'s best to know ahead of time if your crop will turn out so you can avoid
wasting time.

2. If you purchase grape rootstock you should soak the roots in water for a day so
they don't dry out. Then, dig a shallow trench to keep them in until the vine can be
permanently placed.

3. Plant your grapes in an area where they will get plenty of sunshine throughout
the day. Grapes need A LOT of sunshine, so makes sure they're planted in the
sunniest plot you can manage.

4. Make sure you leave at least 8 feet between each vine when planting the
rootstock, as grapes need ample room to grow and flourish.

5. You will need to train your vines on a trellis to insure they grow evenly. You
may need to move them around a lot at first to keep them growing right.

6. Have you ever wondered why you often see grape vines planted on a slope? This is
because it provides optimal drainage. In order for the grapes to grow properly, the
vines need to be planted in an area where the roots have good drainage.

7. Grape plants don't need a lot of watering, but in the dry seasons (Spring and
Summer, depending on the amount of rain) grape plants need to be watered at least
once a week.

8. Stop watering once the grapes start to change color. They will not need to be
watered again until Autumn, when the leaves fall off. Then, water once more just
before the ground freezes to get the plants through the winter.

9. To protect your vines from birds and pests, use at least two different sized,
overlapping nets to cover the plants. The first net should be a plastic bag like the
ones potatoes come in. However for the second you will need to go to a gardening
supply store and purchase a gardening net.

10. Pruning is the most important part of growing wine grapes. Plants will need to
be pruned every year in early spring or late winter. If you neglect your pruning
duties, the grapes will grow and ripen unevenly. However, pruning is a very
delicate process and all beginners should research the process before trying it out
for the first time.

11. When the grapes begin to ripen, check the sugar and pH levels frequently to get
the perfect crop. Again, do plenty of research on your particular strain of grape
and proper levels to be sure you know what you\'re doing. This also depends on what
your particular tastes are and what kind of wine you're making.



Rim Rock Ranch is located just minutes from Napa on the quiet side of the wine
country. Available parcels range from 12 to 29 acres and feature pristine soil, a
perfect grape-growing climate, a pest-free environment and California's cleanest
air. For more information visit RimRockNow.com.

Web Site: http://www.rimrocknow.com/

Contact Details:
Mathew Guiver, Search Engine Marketing Consultant
Rim Rock Now
http://www.rimrocknow.com/