My former neighbors had some kind of grapes that went gangbusters over the chainlink fence. They actually climbed all over another neighbor's lilac too. The leaves were pretty large. I'm sorry I have no idea whether they were wild or not. Unfortunately the new neighbors uprooted it completely. I loved the way they looked and the tart little green grapes. Have you tried calling the big local nurseries- Bachmans, Linders etc.? There is also a store in Stillwater that sells wine from Minnesota grapes...I wonder if you might get some info there?

I have wild grape growing in my woods. Have not seen any fruit on mine, but the ones along the road in the sun produce dark purple grapes. The fruits on them are up quite high, so they are left to feed the birds. I have used the leaves from my wild grapes to make stuffed grape leaves and they were good. Use the young tender leaves, as I read that the larger, older ones can be quite tough.

Linda

Mmmmmmmm - stuffed grape leaves. Would you be willing to share your recipe, Linda? Carmellia

They grow like Jack's beanstalk in this area. I would guess these are an escape from some grape vines planted early in the 20th century around the cabins and hotels on Lake Minnetonka. They have been known to this yard since 1940. They berry and, while they are very tart, the birds love them for eating and nesting. We have a cardinal that regularly nests at 4' above ground because of the great cover. Invasive, though, as they sucker long distances; they also climb trees and shrubs and devour them unless kept in check. One grape vine will cover a 1/2 acre in no time flat!

I am on a lake near Fergus Falls, new to the area, and I put in a couple Concord Grape vines last summer. They grew well and were healthy when we put them to sleep last fall. Can I expect any berries this year? They are not hybreds, which I guess are more highly reccomended for where we live. I may put some hybreds in this season. Thanks.

I think things usually begin producing their second year. I hope so. I put in some raspberries the fall before last and have my bowl and spoon ready for those berries to come rolling in. I hope you will be enjoying your grapes! Carmellia

Carmellia I will look for the recipe and send it to you. My husband didn't care for them so I only made them once...he's kinda picky.

Linda

If you want to try the reverted to wild grapes- come on over and get them! Will fruit quite well and heavily if you keep them pruned (a weekly job!) I have never used the leaves to eat though...
Julie

Mmmmmmm grapes...... :) I love grapes, grape jelly, stuffed grape leaves, anything with grapes. I've contemplated putting some in, but I'm not sure where they would fit around here. We have a fence but the neighbors around here may not be too keen on them all over the fence.

You might try your local NRCS, look under United States Government, USDA in the phone book I think. (Natural Resources and Conservation used to be Soil Conservation, I believe.) Anyway, I just ordered some Wild Grapes from our NRCS in Montana and they are dirt cheap. In fact all of their stuff is dirt cheap, mostly around the 63 cents mark if I remember right. I also ordered Golden Currants, same price and Wood's Roses, which I hope are shrub roses. They come in lots of 25. Was too late this year to get June Berries, time got away from me. Just thot I'd mention it bcuz I don't see NRCS much talked about on GW.

Happy Gardening all,
May all your weeds be wildflowers!

Cool tip on the NRCS- Thanks Mt mermaid!
I also met a fellow at the Almalund Apple Festival last summer who raies table and wine grapes locally there. He has the plants for sale and I was thinking about purchasing some that were very tiny grapes- but large bunches and VERY sweet! I have misplaced the info though.. I will have to look harder I guess..
Julie