thanx for the info, Is there a spray or what can i do to prevent the mold? And is there a test that i can run on my soil for the salt content? I built a foot high raised box and filled it with a half and half mix of the soil that was there and vegetable growing potting soil from Home Depot.

Thank you both, I forgot I posted this and just got back to the forum today. Actually, the other day, I noticed there were three grapes on the vine. Not sure why there were only three and not a whole cluster or more? I was so excited. So, it evidently is capable of fruiting. They turned out to be green grapes and they were sweet. Now if I can just do something to help it produce more next year. I did move it from a small arbor where it wasn't getting enough sun, to an area next to a patio that had a structure above it that it could climb. I'm trying to remember how long ago I moved it. I could have been last year or the year before. So all the branches are either two years old or one year old. The branch going up one leg of the structure looks like a trunk. I was thinking that next year, I should allow for that trunk to be just a trunk and not allow any green stems or branches to sprout along it, so that all the growth is on the top of the structure? I will do a search for grape pruning. Thanks...

Welcome! You'll be glad you found Gardenweb. The University of Arkansas has a grape breeding program so they should have lots of info. I checked their website and found the article I linked below that has recommended varieties for Juice Grapes, Table Grapes, and Wine Grapes. Here is a link that might be useful: Recommended Bunch Grapes for Home Gardens in Arkansas

Well, we started out like you. We like to wine taste so whenever we are doing so we ask A LOT OF QUESTIONS. We have made friends with a few winemakers who are always willing to share their knowledge. I'll try to answer some of your questions: No, you do not amend the soil. It just has to be "ripped" to about 2-3 feet. A little compost is added at planting time just to the hole. Local (northern/central CA) grape vine growers will assist you with the type of rootstock you should purchase. They are very familiar with Temecula and will give their recommendations. Look around to see what everyone is growing. We chose what we like: Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. No Pierce's Disease is not a big problem at this time. Read a few beginnners' books. My DH gave me a book "From Vines to Wine" by Jeff Cox that has everything you would need to know to start a home vineyard. He grows in Northern CA but has a good list of suppliers and grape growers that can be utilized for our area. There is a local winegrowers association in Temecula - I can't remember the name of it right now but they meet at the Glen Oaks Hills clubhouse. We got the info from the winemaker at Black Foot Winery on Glen Oaks Road. When we decide to live on our property full time we plan to get involved with them. GOOD LUCK!!!! (It's a lot of hard work if you plan to do it all yourself)