How to Harvest Grapes for Wine

If you don't grow grapes, the hardest part of harvesting grapes for wine is finding somewhere to pick them. Some grapes grow wild. Muscadine grapes for example while others have to be cultivated. Many states have a "wine country" and consumers can often find "pick your own" grape operations near these regions. Muscadine grapes grow in and around wooded areas in the countryside. The actual harvest of the grapes takes very little equipment.

Things You'll Need

• Small, sharp knife
• Large basket or bucket

Instructions

1. Locate on the grape vine where the stem meets the cluster of grapes.

2. Use the knife to cut the stem as close to the top of the cluster as possible. Try to make the cut on the diagonal instead of just straight across.

3. Carefully lay the cluster of grapes into your basket or bucket. As you add more clusters, lay them in gently so you don't bruise or smash the grapes underneath.

4. Use a second basket or bucket when the first one becomes full. You do not want to break the skins of the grapes by mashing them down before you are ready to make wine.

5. Wash your grapes to remove any dust or chemicals that may be on them when you return home with your harvest.

Tips & Warnings

• If you go on a muscadine harvest excursion, be sure and dress appropriately. Ticks, chiggers and snakes are common in wooded areas in the country. Process your grapes as soon as possible after harvesting for the best tasting wines. It takes approximately 20 pounds of fresh grapes to make one gallon of pure grape juice wine. Different varieties of grapes make uniquely different tasting wines. If you have a favorite wine that you want to try and make, be sure to find out what variety of grapes the wine is made with.