New publication explains ‘grape expectations’ for  Texas vineyard owners

FREDERICKSBURG — Before planting grapes in Texas, every potential grower needs to answer one essential question, according to Jim Kamas: “Why do you want to plant a vineyard?”

Kamas, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service fruit specialist in Fredericksburg, begins with that question in his new book, “Growing Grapes in Texas: From the Commercial Vineyard to the Backyard Vine.”

This manual on grape growing in Texas was published by the Texas A&M University Press and is available at http://bit.ly/texasgrapebook for $25.

“After encountering hundreds of people interested in planting a vineyard over the past 35 years, the list of questions and misconceptions seemed to repeat themselves,” Kamas said. “So, I decided it was worth my time to sit down and respond to the multitude of choices and decisions every prospective grape grower faces.  Most people do not comprehend the extent to which grape growing is a risky business, and while it is not ‘rocket science,’ it is indeed science.”

Kamas describes the different grape growing regions in Texas, while providing information for both a commercial venture and an at-home plot to help growers achieve the highest yields.

The 264-page book includes more than 160 color photos as Kamas discusses site choice and design, rootstock and fruiting varieties, pruning and training strategies, canopy and floor management, disease and pest control, water needs and nutrition requirements for grapes.

For those interested in commercial aspects of grape production, Kamas also provides information about vineyard-winery relations.

“The book seeks to relay to the reader not just instruction on how to establish a vineyard but to help the reader gain understanding of the scientific reasons behind why decisions are made,” Kamas said.

Grape and wine lovers from all parts of the country will find this book a valuable resource, according to the publisher.