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.  Contact the Maryland Grape Growers’ Association or Dr. Joseph Fiola, jfiola@umd.edu, University of Maryland Extension, Specialist in Viticulture and Small Fruit, 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 Wine
  http://www.marylandwine.com/
  Links: http://www.marylandwine.com/mwa/learnmore/links.shtml
  The Grape Vine: http://www.marylandgrapes.org/aboutus/grapevine.shtml
  Maryland Varieties: http://www.marylandgrapes.org/growing/varieties/main.html
  

• Start a Winery/Vineyard in MD
  http://www.marylandwine.com/mwa/startup/