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Item Number: FV040

Pinot Noir Wine Grape Vine

Pinot Noir Wine Grape Vine

Grows Well in Cooler Regions

  • Zones: 6-10
  • Pruning: Cane Prune
  • Harvest: September - October
  • Flavor Notes: Noted for cabbage, wet leaves, Strawberry, raspberry, cherry, mushroom, and meaty flavors.
  • Facts of note: A red wine grape variety name is derived from the French words for “pine” and “black” alluding to the varietals’ tightly clustered dark purple pine cone-shaped bunches of fruit. Pinot noir grapes are grown around the world, mostly in the cooler regions, and is widely considered to produce some of the finest wines in the world. Medium size clusters and berries. The skins are soft when approaching ripeness and are susceptible to rotting when rains come at that time. Produces some of the finest wines in the world but is considered more challenging to cultivate and transform into wine because of thin skin and intolerance to climate extremes.

Pinot Noir is a red wine grape variety celebrated for producing some of the most elegant and complex wines in the world. Its name, derived from the French words for "pine" and "black," refers to the grape’s tightly clustered, dark purple pine cone-shaped bunches. Despite its reputation for producing high-quality wines, Pinot Noir is notoriously challenging to grow due to its delicate nature and susceptibility to climate extremes. Understanding the nuances of cultivating Pinot Noir can help growers achieve successful fruit production and high-quality wine.

Growing Grapes: Pinot Noir Wine Grape Vine

Pinot Noir thrives in cooler climates, making it suitable for USDA zones 6-10. It is often grown in regions known for their moderate temperatures and extended growing seasons, such as parts of Burgundy in France, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and the cooler regions of California like Sonoma County. The grape’s sensitivity to temperature variations and its tendency to suffer from rot in humid conditions necessitate careful site selection and vineyard management.

Pinot Noir vines prefer well-drained soils with good fertility. Sandy loam or loamy soils are ideal, as they provide excellent drainage and prevent waterlogging, which can exacerbate the grape’s susceptibility to rot. The soil’s pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0. While Pinot Noir vines can adapt to different soil types, ensuring proper soil health through organic matter and balanced fertilization will support robust vine growth and fruit development.

Grape Pruning for Pinot Noir

Effective pruning is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of Pinot Noir vines. The recommended pruning method for Pinot Noir is cane pruning. This technique involves selecting one or two canes from the previous year’s growth and cutting them back to around 6-10 buds each. Cane pruning helps manage vine vigor and promotes balanced fruit production by focusing the plant’s energy on fewer, high-quality clusters.

Pruning should be performed during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Proper pruning ensures that the vine’s energy is directed toward producing high-quality fruit rather than excessive foliage. Additionally, maintaining good airflow around the vines by removing excess growth helps reduce the risk of disease and rot, which Pinot Noir is particularly prone to.

Watering and Fertilizing

Pinot Noir vines require careful water management to ensure optimal growth and fruit development. Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods, but overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Deep, infrequent watering encourages the development of deep roots, which helps the vine access moisture and nutrients from the soil more effectively.

Fertilization should be done with caution, as excessive nutrients can lead to vigorous vegetative growth at the expense of fruit quality. Applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring supports healthy vine growth and fruit set. Organic compost or well-rotted manure can also be beneficial, providing a slow release of nutrients and improving soil structure.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Pinot Noir is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, which can impact fruit production and quality. Common fungal diseases include powdery mildew, downy mildew, and botrytis bunch rot. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and fruit, while downy mildew causes yellow or brown spots. Botrytis bunch rot, or gray mold, affects the grape clusters, especially in humid or rainy conditions.

To manage these diseases, it is essential to ensure good air circulation around the vines and avoid overcrowding. Regular fungicide applications, such as sulfur or copper-based products, can help control fungal outbreaks. In addition, maintaining a clean vineyard by removing fallen leaves and debris can reduce the risk of disease.

Pests like grape leafhoppers, spider mites, and aphids can also affect Pinot Noir vines. Introducing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and predatory mites, can help control pest populations naturally. For more severe infestations, targeted insecticides may be necessary, but their use should be minimized to avoid disrupting beneficial insects and pollinators.

Harvesting Grapes: Timing and Technique

Harvesting Pinot Noir grapes requires careful timing to ensure the best flavor and quality. The grapes are typically harvested between September and October, depending on the climate and growing conditions. Pinot Noir grapes should be picked when they have reached their optimal ripeness, which is indicated by a balance of sweetness, acidity, and flavor complexity.

Due to the thin skins of Pinot Noir grapes, they are susceptible to rot, particularly if exposed to rain or high humidity during ripening. Regularly monitor the grapes as they approach maturity, tasting them to assess their flavor and sugar levels. The ideal harvest time is when the grapes have developed rich flavors and a good balance of acidity.

When harvesting, use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut the grape clusters from the vine. Handle the grapes gently to prevent bruising, as damaged fruit can spoil and negatively affect the wine’s quality. It is important to harvest the grapes promptly once they reach maturity, as overripe fruit can lead to excessive softness and potential spoilage.

Wine Production and Table Grapes

Pinot Noir is highly regarded for its ability to produce exceptional wines with complex flavors. The wine typically exhibits a range of flavor notes, including cabbage, wet leaves, strawberry, raspberry, cherry, mushroom, and meaty characteristics. The delicate nature of the grape requires careful winemaking techniques to preserve its subtle flavors and aromas.

The production of Pinot Noir wines often involves fermentation in small lots and the use of techniques such as cold soaking and gentle pressing to extract optimal color and flavor. Aging in oak barrels is common, which adds additional layers of complexity and enhances the wine’s richness. Pinot Noir wines are known for their elegance and finesse, making them a favorite among wine enthusiasts.

While Pinot Noir is primarily grown for wine production, the grapes can also be enjoyed fresh as table grapes. However, due to their thin skins and susceptibility to rot, they are not as commonly used for fresh eating as other grape varieties. Pinot Noir grapes are best appreciated in their role as a key ingredient in fine wines.

Conclusion

Growing Pinot Noir grapes presents both challenges and rewards. The vine’s sensitivity to climate extremes, delicate skins, and susceptibility to rot require careful management and attention. By selecting an appropriate site, employing effective pruning techniques, and managing pests and diseases, growers can achieve successful fruit production and high-quality wines. Pinot Noir’s complex flavor profile and ability to produce some of the world’s finest wines make it a highly valued grape variety, cherished by winemakers and wine enthusiasts alike.

Image by CSIRO

Available to Ship After: 1/24/2025. Order today to reserve yours!
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Description

  • Zones: 6-10
  • Pruning: Cane Prune
  • Harvest: September - October
  • Flavor Notes: Noted for cabbage, wet leaves, Strawberry, raspberry, cherry, mushroom, and meaty flavors.
  • Facts of note: A red wine grape variety name is derived from the French words for “pine” and “black” alluding to the varietals’ tightly clustered dark purple pine cone-shaped bunches of fruit. Pinot noir grapes are grown around the world, mostly in the cooler regions, and is widely considered to produce some of the finest wines in the world. Medium size clusters and berries. The skins are soft when approaching ripeness and are susceptible to rotting when rains come at that time. Produces some of the finest wines in the world but is considered more challenging to cultivate and transform into wine because of thin skin and intolerance to climate extremes.

Pinot Noir is a red wine grape variety celebrated for producing some of the most elegant and complex wines in the world. Its name, derived from the French words for "pine" and "black," refers to the grape’s tightly clustered, dark purple pine cone-shaped bunches. Despite its reputation for producing high-quality wines, Pinot Noir is notoriously challenging to grow due to its delicate nature and susceptibility to climate extremes. Understanding the nuances of cultivating Pinot Noir can help growers achieve successful fruit production and high-quality wine.

Growing Grapes: Pinot Noir Wine Grape Vine

Pinot Noir thrives in cooler climates, making it suitable for USDA zones 6-10. It is often grown in regions known for their moderate temperatures and extended growing seasons, such as parts of Burgundy in France, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and the cooler regions of California like Sonoma County. The grape’s sensitivity to temperature variations and its tendency to suffer from rot in humid conditions necessitate careful site selection and vineyard management.

Pinot Noir vines prefer well-drained soils with good fertility. Sandy loam or loamy soils are ideal, as they provide excellent drainage and prevent waterlogging, which can exacerbate the grape’s susceptibility to rot. The soil’s pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0. While Pinot Noir vines can adapt to different soil types, ensuring proper soil health through organic matter and balanced fertilization will support robust vine growth and fruit development.

Grape Pruning for Pinot Noir

Effective pruning is crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of Pinot Noir vines. The recommended pruning method for Pinot Noir is cane pruning. This technique involves selecting one or two canes from the previous year’s growth and cutting them back to around 6-10 buds each. Cane pruning helps manage vine vigor and promotes balanced fruit production by focusing the plant’s energy on fewer, high-quality clusters.

Pruning should be performed during the dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Proper pruning ensures that the vine’s energy is directed toward producing high-quality fruit rather than excessive foliage. Additionally, maintaining good airflow around the vines by removing excess growth helps reduce the risk of disease and rot, which Pinot Noir is particularly prone to.

Watering and Fertilizing

Pinot Noir vines require careful water management to ensure optimal growth and fruit development. Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods, but overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Deep, infrequent watering encourages the development of deep roots, which helps the vine access moisture and nutrients from the soil more effectively.

Fertilization should be done with caution, as excessive nutrients can lead to vigorous vegetative growth at the expense of fruit quality. Applying a balanced fertilizer in early spring supports healthy vine growth and fruit set. Organic compost or well-rotted manure can also be beneficial, providing a slow release of nutrients and improving soil structure.

Managing Pests and Diseases

Pinot Noir is susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, which can impact fruit production and quality. Common fungal diseases include powdery mildew, downy mildew, and botrytis bunch rot. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and fruit, while downy mildew causes yellow or brown spots. Botrytis bunch rot, or gray mold, affects the grape clusters, especially in humid or rainy conditions.

To manage these diseases, it is essential to ensure good air circulation around the vines and avoid overcrowding. Regular fungicide applications, such as sulfur or copper-based products, can help control fungal outbreaks. In addition, maintaining a clean vineyard by removing fallen leaves and debris can reduce the risk of disease.

Pests like grape leafhoppers, spider mites, and aphids can also affect Pinot Noir vines. Introducing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and predatory mites, can help control pest populations naturally. For more severe infestations, targeted insecticides may be necessary, but their use should be minimized to avoid disrupting beneficial insects and pollinators.

Harvesting Grapes: Timing and Technique

Harvesting Pinot Noir grapes requires careful timing to ensure the best flavor and quality. The grapes are typically harvested between September and October, depending on the climate and growing conditions. Pinot Noir grapes should be picked when they have reached their optimal ripeness, which is indicated by a balance of sweetness, acidity, and flavor complexity.

Due to the thin skins of Pinot Noir grapes, they are susceptible to rot, particularly if exposed to rain or high humidity during ripening. Regularly monitor the grapes as they approach maturity, tasting them to assess their flavor and sugar levels. The ideal harvest time is when the grapes have developed rich flavors and a good balance of acidity.

When harvesting, use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut the grape clusters from the vine. Handle the grapes gently to prevent bruising, as damaged fruit can spoil and negatively affect the wine’s quality. It is important to harvest the grapes promptly once they reach maturity, as overripe fruit can lead to excessive softness and potential spoilage.

Wine Production and Table Grapes

Pinot Noir is highly regarded for its ability to produce exceptional wines with complex flavors. The wine typically exhibits a range of flavor notes, including cabbage, wet leaves, strawberry, raspberry, cherry, mushroom, and meaty characteristics. The delicate nature of the grape requires careful winemaking techniques to preserve its subtle flavors and aromas.

The production of Pinot Noir wines often involves fermentation in small lots and the use of techniques such as cold soaking and gentle pressing to extract optimal color and flavor. Aging in oak barrels is common, which adds additional layers of complexity and enhances the wine’s richness. Pinot Noir wines are known for their elegance and finesse, making them a favorite among wine enthusiasts.

While Pinot Noir is primarily grown for wine production, the grapes can also be enjoyed fresh as table grapes. However, due to their thin skins and susceptibility to rot, they are not as commonly used for fresh eating as other grape varieties. Pinot Noir grapes are best appreciated in their role as a key ingredient in fine wines.

Conclusion

Growing Pinot Noir grapes presents both challenges and rewards. The vine’s sensitivity to climate extremes, delicate skins, and susceptibility to rot require careful management and attention. By selecting an appropriate site, employing effective pruning techniques, and managing pests and diseases, growers can achieve successful fruit production and high-quality wines. Pinot Noir’s complex flavor profile and ability to produce some of the world’s finest wines make it a highly valued grape variety, cherished by winemakers and wine enthusiasts alike.

Image by CSIRO

Wine grapes have small berry like fruit with seeds. The flavor and color of wine is derived primarily from the skins. The best locations for planting grape vines are on slopes with good drainage and poor fertility. Select a variety based on your climate and the type of wine desired. Find out if there are any vineyards in your area and what variety they grow. If they are having success with a specific variety you probably will as well. Keep in mind each vine yields an average of one gallon of wine, but plant extra to make up for fruit loss from birds and other causes. Our vines are 1–year old plants, self–rooted from cuttings, no.1 grade with about 8” of top growth. Sold by individual bare–root vine. Browse our collection of Table Grapes.

Shipping Information

Ships from Northern CA.

Cannot ship to the following states: HI, AK, PR, GU, VI

Cannot ship via USPS.

Cannot ship via SmartPost.

Shipping Weight: 3.3 lb

Dimensions: 18.0"L x 3.0"W x 3.0"H

Features

    Characteristics

    USDA Growing Zone: 6 - 10
    Approximate Harvest Time : Early Fall
    Approximate Harvest Time : Late Summer
    Growth Habit : Vining
    Plant Quantity : Single Plant
    Planting Time : Winter
    Time to Fruit Production : 2-3 Years

    Planting & Care

    Useful Information

    Guarantee

    Limited Dormant Tree & Plant Guarantee

    * Claim deadline is June 15th

    We guarantee that your dormant tree or plant will arrive in good, viable condition. If your tree arrives in substandard condition, notify us within 3 days of delivery. Please email pictures of the box, inside packaging, the tree and its roots to helpdesk@groworganic.com.  We will investigate your claim and process a request to exchange or refund the damaged product.

    If your dormant tree or plant has not grown new leaves by June 15th, you may be eligible for our Limited Dormant Tree & Plant Guarantee. This guarantee provides for a store credit for the purchase price of the tree, excluding shipping. Please see the Instructions below.

    Important Dates:

    • April 1st Dormant trees/plants must be planted in the ground
    • May 15th Perform scratch test, if no new leaves have grown
    • June 15th Deadline to apply for a dormant tree/plant credit

    All required documentation must be received by June 15th for your claim to be considered. Claims or documentation received after June 15th will be denied, without exception. Instructions listed below

    Terms and Conditions

    We cannot guarantee that your tree or plant will remain alive and healthy after it is received, or bear fruit as there are too many variables in your environment that are beyond our control (i.e. soil preparation, weed and pest control, proper irrigation, chill hours, compatible hardiness for your growing zone, proper choice of pollinator, extreme weather, rodent damage, disease, etc.). 

    We cannot guarantee that we will be able to provide a replacement tree/plant of the same species either that same growing season or in future years. Customers are responsible for all shipping fees associated with replacement trees and plants. 

    If we determine that the tree you purchased directly from us is not viable, we will issue you a store credit (not a refund) for the purchase price of the affected dormant tree or plant. Shipping is not included in the dormant tree/plant guarantee. Store credits can be used to purchase any product we sell and are valid for use only until July 1st of the following year.

    Historically, 98% of our dormant trees and plants grow and thrive when they have been cared for and planted using our growing guides. Dormant trees and plants must be planted in the ground by April 1st in order to be eligible for credit. If the ground in your area is still frozen solid, you may temporarily plant your tree or plant in a pot. 

    Potted, non-dormant trees or plants are excluded from this guarantee as they are not dormant at the time of shipment. Evergreen trees such as citrus, avocado and olive trees are not available for credit under the Dormant Tree and Plant Guarantee. 

    Instructions

    We guarantee that your dormant fruit tree or plant will leaf out, if you care for it according to our growing guides. In the unlikely event that your dormant tree or plant does not have leaves by May 15th, follow these simple steps to apply for a store credit:

    Before you call or email, please perform a “scratch test” to determine if the tree or plant is still alive. This video shows how to check for live tissue under the bark. Scratch tests need to be done a few inches above and below the graft. 

    Green Cambium Layer / Living Trees

    If the cambium layer under the bark is green, give your tree a little more time. It is still alive, but hasn’t come out of dormancy yet. Check to make sure that it is getting the right amount of deep root water, enough sunlight and that the weather is warm enough for that type of tree/plant to come out of dormancy. Every tree has its own personality and will come out of dormancy at different times. Be sure to submit the required documentation listed below by June 15th, if it doesn’t grow leaves.

    Brown Cambium Layer / Dead Trees

    If the scratch test shows a brown cambium layer or if your dormant tree/plant doesn’t have leaves by June 1st, please email us at helpdesk@groworganic.com. All required documentation listed below must be received by June 15th for your claim to be considered. To be considered for the guarantee claim, all required documentation must be received by June 15th.  Incomplete submissions will be denied.

    Required Documentation

    1. Order number
    2. Name of dormant tree/plant and the quantity affected
    3. Photos of each tree or plant showing: 
      1. The roots (tree or plant must be pulled out of the ground)
      2. The scratch test areas
      3. The entire tree/plant

    We reserve the right to not issue credit for items that have already been replaced. We also reserve the right to require photographic evidence that the tree/plant was not killed by root rot, rodent or mechanical damage.

    View full details

    Customer Reviews

    Based on 4 reviews
    100%
    (4)
    0%
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    D
    David
    Texas experiment

    Purchased two these as an experiment to grow in Texas. Vines arrived well packed and undamaged in January. They were heeled for about two weeks before being planted in their permanent home. From the ground, they were about 2 feet - 2.5 feet tall. I trimmed the entire vine back to start from scratch. Growth started in early March.
    I can confirm that these are strong vines without any disease. Very happy with the purchase.

    R
    Rickie
    Geat Plants and right on time.

    I always get good plants from Peaceful Valley. Dormant plants with thick stems and good roots.

    E
    Ed M
    On time

    Vines arrived on time and ready to plant. So far so good.

    w
    willy
    excellenct bare root plants

    Received quickly and well packaged bare root plants. Have been planted and appear to be growing

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