Which Grapes Grow Best in Las Vegas?

Q. Which varieties of grapes are the best to grow in the Las Vegas valley?

Zinfandel, one of the warm weather wine grapes, does very well in the desert. Zinfandel grape juice is not just for wine. It makes a wonderful and tasty jelly or juice.

A. The best choices, or varieties, for grape growing in southern Nevada are those grapes which prefer to grow in hot weather. Recognize that grapes are grown for fresh eating (often times seedless) and those grown for their juice, such as wine grapes. Some examples of table grapes that grow well in hot weather include Thompson Seedless, Flame, Concord, Fantasy and Black Monuka. Others may also be a good choice, but these should get you started.

            Juice or wine grapes that can be grown for their juice for making wine or jelly include Zinfandel, Muscats, Syrahs, Grenache, Barberra, and many others. I would be very careful growing the so-called “cool season grapes” such as the Cabernets, Pinots, Gewurztraminer, Merlot, and others. That being said, I have had good luck growing a few of the so-called cool weather grapes such as Pinot Noir.

            Bottomline, check to see if they are warm season grapes or not. If they are, your chances of success are better than the cool season grapes.