Vine reccomendations requested

Newbie here....

I live on the east side of the Sierra Nevada, near the north end of California's share of the Mojave Desert. The soil on my 2 1/2 acres is just slightly on the alky side of neutral, drains well but has sufficient colloids to bind it. Winter temperatures drop into the mid-teens for a few days. In the summer we climb well above 100, sometimes hitting 105 for a couple weeks straight with an occasional spike up to 115. My garden works just fine for any vegie I've tried to grow. I have an abundance of fine compost. I have a Thompson Seedless that is 15 or so years old and, when I tend to it, produces well enough. My preference is for red wines -- Merlot and Pinot with an occasional Cabernet. I'd like to put in ten or so vines next spring. Any recommendations?

Regards,

Casey Wilson Freelance Writer and Photographer

Casey,

Seems like wine grapevines grow just about anywhere. The trick of course is getting quality grapes.

I suspect heat will be your problem. Vines tend to 'shut down' after about 96 degrees F. The stomata (little pores on the underside of the leaves) close up - effectively stopping respiration and photosynthesis. That doesn't mean you can't grow wine grapes, just means that you may not have the same growing conditions as somewhere cooler.

I have about 150 vines over here on the western sierra slope (western edge of the Tahoe Nat Forest). Around here, it seems to be too hot for quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Syrah does well, as does Zin - and there are some very good Cab Francs around. Too hot for Pinot and Merlot. My vineyard is syrah and Marsanne. Our biggest issue is the soil (lack of). I recommend doing anything you can to create as much soil depth as possible. Drip irrigation is a must - and don't be shy about fertilizing for the first few years while you're establishing roots and vigor.

One more thought - if you can find room for 20 vines, do. You'll be better served than with 10.