Lyla Lindsey
Grapes are grown in all states of Australia, with most of the production occurring in the temperate zone. The largest grape-producing states are South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. The grape-growing process in Australia involves soil preparation, planting, and providing support for the vines as they grow. The growth cycle of grapevines includes stages such as bud break, flowering, fruit set, veraison, and harvest. The harvest period for grapes in Australia can range from as early as mid-January to as late as mid-May.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best time to plant | Late winter-early spring |
| Soil type | Well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic, with pH adjusted using lime or dolomite |
| Sunlight | Lots of sun |
| Watering | Once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions |
| Support structure | Trellis, pergola, sturdy fence, or large pot |
| Harvest period | Mid-January to mid-May |
| Largest production by state | South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales |
| Top table grape varieties | Thompson Seedless, Red Globe, Flame Seedless, Menindee Seedless, Cardinal, Italia |
| Top wine grape varieties | Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Rhine Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz |
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What You'll Learn
Grape growth cycle and climate
Grapes are grown in all states of Australia, but most of the production is in the temperate zone. The largest states by production are South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. Wine grapes are grown in all states, table grapes in all states except Tasmania, and raisins in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia.
The annual growth cycle of grapevines begins with bud break in spring, followed by flowering, fruit set, veraison, harvest, leaf fall, and winter dormancy. The amount of time spent at each stage of the growth cycle depends on various factors, most notably the type of climate (warm or cool) and the characteristics of the grape.
During winter dormancy, grapevines turn brown. In spring, the vine begins the process of bud break, and tiny green shoots emerge. These shoots eventually sprout tiny leaves that can begin photosynthesis, accelerating growth. In warm climates, the growth of the shoots starts to rapidly accelerate, growing in length by an average of 3 cm a day. In temperate climates, some early budding varieties can be at risk of premature bud break.
Following winter dormancy, the growth cycle starts with bud break or bud burst in spring. In the Southern Hemisphere, this stage begins around September. Flowering occurs when average daily temperatures stay between 15 and 20°C, which generally happens in November in the Southern Hemisphere. During this stage, pollination and fertilization of the grapevine take place, resulting in grape berries containing 1–4 seeds.
After flowering comes the fruit set stage, where fertilized flowers develop seeds and grape berries to protect them. This stage is critical for wine production as it determines the potential crop yield. Climate plays a crucial role, with low humidity, high temperatures, and water stress potentially reducing the percentage of flowers that get fertilized.
The veraison stage signals the start of the ripening process, usually taking place 40–50 days after the fruit set stage. During this period, the grapes start to change colour, and the vine begins to divert some of its energy production into its reserves for the next growth cycle.
Grapes grow on long-lived vines that require strong support, such as a trellis or pergola, and they can grow up to 4 meters tall and wide. They need healthy, fertile, and well-drained soil with lots of sun. Soil preparation involves adjusting pH and adding nutrients where necessary. Planting is typically done in late winter or early spring using dormant vines, but container-grown vines can be planted through mid-summer.
Climate change has had a significant impact on grape yields and berry ripening in Australia. While temperatures are projected to increase in all wine regions, making them less prone to frost, they are also more susceptible to heatwaves and arid conditions. Changes in temperature can lead to lower prices due to alterations in grape composition. Soil salinity has also increased due to irrigation, affecting growth and productivity.
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Soil preparation and planting
Soil Preparation:
Before planting, it is essential to prepare the soil to create an optimal environment for your grapevines. Start by testing your soil to determine its composition and any deficiencies. You can do this through your local County Extension Office or with a digital meter. Understanding your soil type is key to successful grape growing, as soil influences the quality and characteristics of the grapes. Sandy soils, for example, have excellent drainage and heat retention, while clay soils tend to store water longer and produce bold-flavoured wines. Loamy soil, a blend of sand, silt, and clay, is often considered ideal for grape growing as it offers good drainage, moderate water retention, and generally falls within the preferred pH range.
Once you know your soil type, you can make amendments to optimize it for grapevines. Apply lime or dolomite to adjust the pH, as most Australian soils are low in phosphorus. You may also need to add nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and boron if they are deficient in your soil. Break up compacted soil by ripping along the vine row and incorporating organic matter to improve drainage and soil structure. If your soil is clay-based, add gypsum and fork it in well to improve drainage.
Planting:
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil and a strong support structure, such as a pergola, sturdy fence, or trellis, as grapevines can grow up to 4 metres tall and wide. Dig a planting hole twice as wide and the same depth as the root-ball to give the roots plenty of room to spread out. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole and mix in organic matter such as compost, manure, or peat moss to improve soil structure and nutrient content.
Remove the shrub from its container and gently tease the roots, cutting away any circled or tangled roots. Position the plant in the hole and backfill with soil, gently firming it down. Form a raised ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone to help retain water. Water the plant well to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the vine establishes itself. Mulch around the base of the plant with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane, or pea straw, being careful to keep it away from the trunk.
Grapes are typically planted in late winter to early spring in Australia, but the recent introduction of container-grown vines has extended the planting season into mid-summer. With proper soil preparation and planting techniques, you'll be well on your way to growing healthy and productive grapevines.
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Grapevine maintenance
Grapevines require careful maintenance to ensure a bountiful harvest. Here are some detailed guidelines for maintaining grapevines in Australia:
Soil Preparation and Planting:
Start by preparing the soil. Apply lime or dolomite to adjust the pH, as well as superphosphate to enrich phosphorus levels. Additionally, add magnesium, zinc, and boron if there are deficiencies in the soil. Break up compaction and impermeable layers by ripping along the vine row to increase soil depth. Form a raised ring of soil around the plant's root zone to help retain water. The best time for planting is late winter to early spring using dormant vines, but container-grown vines can be planted through to mid-summer. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root-ball and position the vine, gently backfilling and firming the soil. Always water well after planting and keep the soil moist as the vine establishes itself.
Support Structures and Training:
Grapevines require strong support structures like a trellis, pergola, sturdy fence, or arbor. These structures help the vines grow vertically and provide necessary support for the heavy grape clusters. Early training is essential to maintain plant size, shape, and productivity. Young vines can be trained to one or two trunks, and the fruiting area can be established through head-training or cordon training. The high cordon system is a popular choice for its simplicity. Cane-training involves laying down new canes each season, with buds counted and adjusted for the desired fruit load. Proper training prevents the grapevines from becoming tangled and unruly, ensuring better fruit production.
Watering and Feeding:
Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. Keep the soil moist for several weeks after planting to aid establishment. While drought-tolerant, grapevines benefit from regular watering during flowering and fruiting. Feed every 6-8 weeks with a soil improver and fertiliser to encourage healthy leaf and stem growth.
Pruning:
Pruning is essential for maintaining adequate fruit production. In the first two years, determine the training system and prune accordingly. Pruning involves managing the foliage to ensure sufficient sunlight exposure and air circulation. Proper pruning techniques, such as shoot positioning, result in higher-quality fruit and better buds for the next crop.
Pest and Disease Control:
Grapevines require protection from pests and diseases. Hybrid varieties, such as French-American hybrids, offer stronger resistance to pests and diseases. Grafting techniques have also been developed to create disease-resistant plants. Sanitation protocols, such as hot water treatments, are used to control specific issues like crown gall and phytoplasmas.
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Grape varieties in Australia
Australia has over 160 grape varieties distributed across 146,244 hectares in all six states: South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, and Queensland. The grape-growing activities are largely concentrated in the southern part of the continent, where the soil types, local climate, and availability of irrigation are suited to viticulture. The three largest states by production are South Australia (Riverland), Victoria (Sunraysia), and New South Wales (Riverina).
Wine grapes are grown in all states, while table grapes are grown in all states except Tasmania. Raisins are produced in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, and Western Australia. In the 2018-2019 financial year, the grape-growing, winemaking, and wine tourism industries contributed AU$45.5 billion to the national income.
The most widely planted grape varieties in Australia include Shiraz, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinot Gris, and Sauvignon Blanc. Shiraz accounted for 25% of the total crush, while Chardonnay accounted for 285,000 tonnes or 20% of the total crush. Together, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay make up almost 60% of the total vineyard area of 149,000 hectares. Syrah alone accounts for 28% of the planted vines.
Some of the less common grape varieties grown in Australia include Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Zinfandel/Primitivo, Arneis, Barbera, Durif, Fiano, Gamay Noir, Grüner Veltliner, Lagrein, Nebbiolo, Saperavi, Tannat, and Vermentino. These varieties are becoming increasingly popular in the Australian wine industry, either as single varietal wines or in the blending process.
The growth cycle of grapes in Australia typically begins with bud break or bud burst in September, marking the end of winter dormancy. Flowering occurs for about a month, followed by the fruit set stage, where tiny green spheres emerge at the end of the stem. The veraison stage, which signals the start of ripening, occurs around 40-50 days after fruit set, during which the grapes start to change colour. Harvesting takes place when the grapes are fully ripe, as they do not become sweeter after being picked.
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Harvesting and post-harvest care
Grapes in Australia are typically harvested from late January through April, depending on the region and grape variety. The timing is crucial as grapes must be harvested at their optimal ripeness to ensure the best wine quality. Sugar content, acidity, and tannin levels are monitored to determine the perfect time to harvest. Unlike other fruits and vegetables, grapes do not continue to ripen after being picked, hence the need for fully ripe grapes during harvest.
Harvesting is a critical process in the cultivation of grapes. It marks the culmination of a vineyard's annual cycle, where decisions made during this period can significantly impact the vintage. For large-scale producers, this stage requires a balance between maximising yield and ensuring optimal fruit quality.
Post-harvest care of grapevines involves closely monitoring the vineyard for water and nutrient requirements. It is important to replenish vine carbohydrate levels and minimise pest and disease pressure for the following season. Post-harvest irrigation plays a vital role in restoring carbohydrate and mineral nutrient reserves. Adequate water supply and leaf hydration are essential for maximising carbohydrate production through photosynthesis.
Fertilising grapes is another critical aspect of vineyard maintenance. There are three main fertiliser application periods: at bud break in spring, within three weeks after fruit set, and post-harvest. Nitrogen fertiliser is applied from bud break to fruit set or after harvest, while phosphorus should be applied in fall or spring, and potassium in late fall or early winter for optimal root uptake.
Pruning and suckering are also vital practices in commercial grape cultivation. Pruning grapevines during the growing season helps control vine growth and prevents excessive clusters that may compromise fruit quality. Regular pruning, along with early training, can help maximise the harvest.
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Frequently asked questions
The growth cycle of grapevines in Australia starts in spring with bud break or bud burst. This is followed by a month of vegetative growth, after which the vine develops tiny flowers that are pollinated by bees. The fruit set stage occurs when the flowers have been pollinated, and tiny green spheres start to emerge. The veraison stage, which is the start of the ripening process, occurs around 40-50 days after the fruit set stage. Finally, the grapes are harvested when fully ripe.
Grapes require a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil and a strong support structure, such as a trellis or pergola. They also need regular watering during flowering and fruiting, especially in summer. Additionally, they require a cool winter, wet spring, and long, dry summer to thrive.
The harvest period for grapes in Australia can vary depending on the variety, with the earliest harvests occurring in mid-January and the latest harvests extending to mid-May.
Some popular grape varieties grown in Australia include Thompson Seedless, Red Globe, Flame Seedless, Menindee Seedless, Cardinal, Italia, and Rhine Riesling.
