The Most Common Grape Vine Growing Trellis Systems

Vineyards around the world utilize different types of trellis systems for growing grape vines. Although there are differences between each of them, they all have several things in common. First of all, one purpose for the trellis, regardless of style, is to support the weight of the vines and fruit, which will aid in the growing and harvesting processes, as well as helping to manage vines for pest and weed control. In addition, because the grapes that are being produced are affected by the amount of sunshine the vines receive, a trellis is important to maximize the exposure of the leaves. In this way, the ripeness, flavor, aroma and color of the grapes can be optimized by the grower. Throughout past generations, varied forms of trellis systems have been developed, customized, altered and used. Following are the most common types of trellises used today.

Grapevine Trellises and Why You Need Them For Making Wine

Your final goal is making wine. But wine needs the product ingredients, and the most important of them is grapes. So you need to have grapes. The best way to have them is to grow them yourself. However, there is a problem, where do you start?

I'm sure you have already a place to grow your grapes, and you at some point you come across a problem: supporting your grapevines since the vines can't support themselves, due to the weight. You see, this is where trellis come into place and this is why they are in end effect, crucial to you having that wine to serve to your guests and boast about that 'it is home made.'

A trellis is basically a structure that supports the grapevines. You can see them in various sizes and shapes and while many people buy a decorative one, it is not so difficult to make your own. To start with you need 4 main components: line posts, end posts, support stakes and the wires.

Guidelines for a Trellising Grapevines

In order for your grapes to grow in their vine-like pattern, they will require a trellis. This is why space is never very consistent when it comes to growing grapes. You can easily grow grapes in your backyard as long as you create the proper trellis for them to grow on.

Since a grapevine cannot support itself, it will require the use of a trellis in order to grow. Depending on the person growing the grapes, the trellis may vary. You can create a very simple structural support system, or you can create a very decorative one, depending on how you plan to use it. A trellis can be made from materials such as iron, wood, stainless steel, PVC pipe, or even aluminum. You can create your own trellis or purchase a ready-made one. No matter if it is ready-made or created yourself, you will want to ensure that you leave enough room for your grapes to grow. Usually spaces that are eight feet by eight feet are recommended to grow just one grapevine.


You will need to create your trellis support prior to actually planting your grapevine. If you live in a warmer climate, then you will want a taller grapevine trellis. In colder climates you will want a shorter grapevine trellis. Short is considered to be three feet or lower in height, where as a tall grapevine trellis is considered up to eight feet tall.

Train Your Grapes to an Arbor

Most people choose to train their grapes to a trellis. The trellis is very good from growing fruit in rows like a traditional garden. Some people actually like to use grape vines for shade cover. This option actually means that you need to build an arbor and the process of training the vines to the arbor is a little different from a trellis. Depending on how large your arbor is this may take some time, but the time is well worth it to get the shade that you want.

Year one

First you have to let your grape vines grow pretty much unchecked. After summer, the largest shoots are what you will use as your vine trunk. You're going to cut the vine back to less than five shoots and remove everything else. You want the vine to show which shoot will be the most ideal.


Year two

Building a Garden Trellis Using Detailed Trellis Plans

One of the most popular home improvement lawn and garden projects is the process of building a garden trellis. There are a wide variety of trellis types available to choose from, so before you begin you'll have to obtain plans or blueprints for your project. Many do it yourself projects require you to have a high skill level, but being equipped with the the right plans will allow even the inexperienced do it yourself-er to get the job done.

It's a good idea to do a little research and become educated on what each style of trellis offers when it comes to both design and function. Popular garden trellis styles include the panel trellis, arch trellis, wall trellis, fence trellis, and planter trellis. Each style can significantly accent your garden in a variety of ways, and the one you choose will ultimately depend on your own specific tastes. The best part of the design process is discovering how easy it is to customize each style of trellis.

Guide to Installing a Trellis System

The trellis system is used to train the vines to grow in a particular direction.  Without a trellis, grape vines would simply crawl at ground level, and it would be very difficult to maintain such a vineyard.

1. Planting is usually performed prior to the installation of the trellis system.  The trellis system can be installed when the grape vines are two to three feet in length already.

2. Large wooden posts are needed for the trellis system. Post markers are installed in every row and line posts are laid out in the vineyard.

3. To facilitate the installation of the wooden posts, hydraulic augers can be used (the same machines used to install wooden fences). Wooden posts should measure 3.5 inches by 8 feet. The depth of the initial hole should be at least two feet.