3 4x4 green treated posts set in concrete 6' above ground, 2' below. Ends anchored with earth anchors to keep end posts from bending under the load. One support post in center with wires run straight through the middle. 2 12ga wires, one at 6' another at 4', inline turnbuckle to tension wires. I can take some pictures of my 2 trellis's when I get home if you need a visual. Depending on how wide your area is, you could maybe install 2 separate trellis's and double your grape area... When you set your posts, put crushed rock or sand at bottom of the hole, put in post and THEN add concrete, you dont want the concrete to seal the bottom of the post or you make a cup that will hold water and rot your post much faster. You can add the earth anchors at a later date when/if you need them, but you probably will.

I trained my grapes on a double cordon, I had my boyfriend build a structure like the one in my Western Garden Book. It seems to be working well, the grapes are in their third year and I'm hoping to get lots of fruit this summer.

I think you're right about a vertical system being easier for picking, also for pruning and training. In my opinion an arbor is more for the esthetics, I think a grape covered arbor is a beautiful thing but if you're serious about getting a lot of good grapes a cordon is better.

Here is a link that might be useful: Academic article on grape training

Aaacckkk. I was hoping everybody would agree on one method being superior. :)

Derek, if you could take a picture that would be really helpful. Your directions were concise and specific, thank you so much. With that trellis stretching 35' how many grapes could I fit in it? I'm hoping I don't need two trellises, I plan to use the space beside it for berry bushes.

Peachymomo, thank you for the link. Lots of good info there. My problem is when they try to describe various methods I get confused trying to decide which method is best. I just want The One True Way, lol.

My plan is to only plant disease resistant varieties. It rains a lot here so I won't need to worry about rinsing the grapes. My neighbors don't have problems with mildew (in spite of the rain) so I think this must be a good area for grapes.

I honestly don't care how it looks, I'm more interested in function.

Hi- I had a similar question for 5 grapes in a 40' row. I hoped for a simple single 6' wire, but based on the high fertility of the soil I plan two wires 6+ feet high and 3.5 feet apart (Geneva Double Curtain) with two 5" end posts angled out in concrete 40 feet apart and a support in the middle (no concrete), with two turnbuckles. The OSU publication is helpful. Good luck.

How did anyone find 12 gauge fence wire, and is 'high tensile' needed? I already have 9 gauge, but think it will be too thick to work with, or tension with turnbuckles.

Similar question: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/fruit/msg12001749757.html

Here is a link that might be useful: OSU Pub with Trellis Instructions

I am attaching a close sample of the trellis we are building now. http://deepgreenpermaculture.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/picture-032.jpg

Ours will be built from 1' iron pipe. It will have another horizontal pipe half way up to stabilize the trellis. Rather than filling the base of the pipes with concrete, we will use 18" rebar rods that fit up into the pipe. 2' of the pipe will be below ground. We are using 10' pipe, trimmed to fit inside a 10' raised bed for additional stability. Anyone see any problems? We buy the pipe and fittings in two days.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:95760}}

Here's my arbor....

Here is mine 4" dia pole set in cement holes drilled through all poles at same level. 1 pc.rebar pushed strait through from first pole thru all to last pole
8 years old- no sagging -this pic was from last year about Nov.

#2 Hope you can visual it
Ck bottom right you can just see the rebar inserted thru the bottom part of the pole
3x10' rebar =3 vert. rows
3x4'' dia poles

This post was edited by campv on Wed, May 8, 13 at 19:57

With the help of www.GrowGrapes.info I was able to establish a great looking trellis very quickly! That website has step-by-step instructions regarding growing a grape vine. The drawings, sketches and pictures are a fantastic source with tons of information and clarity. It provided me with comprehensive details to assist me in achieving a successful outcome with growing grapes for years. Highly recommended :) Best of luck to you!

Geneva double curtain would be my recomendation. Maximizes space and has some flexibly in pruining and training