Where do I buy red grape vines to plant in Maine

We have decided to grow our own red grapes for merlot or other red wines. My question- We live in Maine. I have called two online vendors of vines, but the vines they sell are from California. Now obviously our winter makes us a zone 4. They say the vines will grow in Maine. I question whether this is true or just a sales pitch!

Where do you suggest I buy red grape vines for Maine?

Should I buy now and plant or wait for spring?

What type of grapes do you suggest we get for red wine?

Paula & Tom
in Maine

Paula, Tom, I answered in the other thread.

Grape varieties are many, I find barbera and brunello are pretty foolproof, but they wont like maine. Maybe a cabernet franc or a camburcin. They are a little gamey but they would do better up there. Maybe a caburnet but you would be working it to make em live there.

Thanks for the variety names.

Paula

Marechal Foch and Baco Noir are two other varieties you may want to consider. They tend to make more rough and rustic wines, but with the proper care they can be coaxed into making some pretty nice stuff. They are winter hardy and ripen early. When the climate is not ideal, you're a bit limited in what varieties will ripen and/or survive the winter, especially when it comes to reds.

I've never been to Maine, so I'm not really familiar with your climatic conditions, but Merlot is probably not a great choice since it is very winter sensitive. A serious cold snap can kill your vines and after waiting three years for a crop, that would be a major piss-off!

Sorry... forgot this in my last post... you want to plant in the spring. The vines need to have time to adjust to their new location, establish their roots and build up carbohydrate reserves to get through the winter. Also, they need to lignify their canes (turn from soft and green to hard and woody) to avoid winter damage. So it would be best to buy and plant your vines in early spring.

the best nursery/supplier in the east is Double A. They are just south of Buffalo, NY and have loads of experience and knowledge. Since Maine is right up the street from NY I suggest you contact them and discuss your options. Remember if you want to grow great grapes you need to spend great time. The Vinifera varieties need lots of time/attention just to survive. It's the knowledge and experience that will make the difference in vinifera vineyards. You can also get by with growing native varieties & hybrids which aren't that laborous compared to viniferas but they are not that well recognized by the public due to snobbery.

Paula and Tom,
I'm a fellow Mainer also looking to plant this spring. I'm interested in the Baco Noir having visited several vineyards north of Detroit in Canada where the Baco thrives. Were you able to find Double A in Buffalo? Where did you end up finding your vines? Any tips for me? Good Luck and Cheers.

Thanks Phil

Go to www.winemakermag.com They did a good article on cold hardy hybrids, and have a lot of resources on backyard grape growing. I think the article was called Swenson's hardy hybrids. You can search for that and I'm sure you would find the article.