Introduction.

After growing a small number of grapevines over the last ten years or so I have recently become far more interested in growing grapes both better and in greater variety. So much so that I now have well over twenty different varieties growing at home in the garden and on my allotment.

While the UK is not thought of as having a suitable climate for grape growing, not least among a large section of the population at large, we do have an ever increasing number of successful commercial vineyards that produce good quality, even excellent, wines in all accepted winemaking styles.

Another surprising thing is the huge number of varieties that will not only thrive in the british climate but produce good quality fruit whether it is for wine, fresh eating or even for raisins, there are a number of excellent varieties that will perform well for you.

For those in the UK I hope to show how good grapes can be grown in this country, even in the north. And for those elsewhere to give an insight of how grapes can be grown successfully in a cool unpredictable climate.