There has been tremendous interest in recent years in growing wine grapes throughout Maryland. There are currently 34 licensed wineries in Maryland and many of them need to purchase wine grapes.  Table grapes can lso be grown here.

Why grow grapes? 

• They have a small acreage requirement:
  • Up to 5 acres: Part-time venture
  • 5-10 acres: Part-time plus seasonal hired help
  • 10-15 acre: Potential for full time
• Can generate a high profit:
  • Up to 3000-$7000 per acre gross returns
• Labor demands are spread throughout the year
  • Harvesting requires additional help
  • Dormant pruning in winter, training and spraying in spring/summer
• Maryland’s soil and climate seem suitable
• Grapes have a low water requirement

But profitable grape production requires knowledge of varieties, disease concerns, pruning techniques, and marketing skills.  Visit http://www.grapesandfruit.umd.edu/Grapes.htm (Dr. Joseph Fiola University of Maryland Extension, Specialist in Viticulture and Small Fruit) or http://www.marylandgrapes.org/\ (Maryland Grape Growers’ Association) for more information.

University of Maryland Extension Resources

• Growing on the Vine
  www.grapesandfruit.umd.edu/Pages/growingonthevine.pdf

• Grapes and Fruit Website
  http://www.grapesandfruit.umd.edu/

Industry Resources

• Maryland Grape Growers Association
  http://www.marylandgrapes.org/
  Resource added 12/8/09

• ShoreVines
  Growing Grapes on the Eastern Shore
  http://www.shorevines.com/
  Resource added 12/8/09

• Maryland Wine
  http://www.marylandwine.com/
  Learn More: http://www.marylandwine.com/learn-more
  The Grape Vine: http://www.marylandgrapes.org/aboutus/grapevine.shtml
  Maryland Varieties: http://www.marylandgrapes.org/growing/varieties/main.html