#travelOklahomavineyards

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BEGINNERS GUIDE TO GROWING GRAPES IN OKLAHOMA

If you want to start a vineyard or produce your own wines, you should learn about growing grapes in Oklahoma. As is the case when cultivating any crop, there is much to consider to ensure the success of your grape-growing endeavor. Here are a few steps that can help when starting a vineyard.

6 Essential Steps for Growing Grapes in Oklahoma

Step 1: Select a Planting Site

If you frequently go on wine tours or travel Oklahoma vineyards, you may have noticed that these places share some similarities regarding their vineyard setup. That is because selecting the right location is essential to ensure the long-term success of a vineyard. Before you start planting anything in your planned vineyard, consider the:

Climate. What is the average temperature in each season? How often does it rain?

Soil. How quickly does the soil drain? Can this affect moisture around the root zone?

Slope. Is there a slope in the area? How will this impact the sunlight and drainage?

Step 2: Select a Grape Variety

Many grape varieties thrive in Oklahoma vineyards near me, so there is sure to be a perfect option for your vineyard. If you want to produce red wine, consider growing:

Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chambourcin.

Merlot.

Sangiovese.

Shiraz/Syrah.

Tempranillo.

Zinfandel.

If your vineyard will primarily produce grapes for white wines, you may want to grow:

Chardonnay.

Muscat Blanc.

Riesling.

Seyval Blanc.

Traminette.

Vignoles.

In addition to these varieties, a range of hybrid grapes grow well in Oklahoma’s climate.

Step 3: Preparing for Planting

Once you know what grapes to plant and where to put them, it is time to begin preparing your vineyard. This step may begin around a year before you start planting, as you must prepare the area by:

Cultivating the soil.

Killing weeds and reducing pests.

Making changes based on soil tests.

Marking your rows.

This process takes a lot of work, but that effort will pay off.

Step 4: Planting the Grapes

After the area is prepared, you can begin planting your grapes at the end of winter or early spring (depending on the grape variety and the area’s climate). Once you have planted the bare-rooted plants and have tied them to a training stake, you should keep them watered, weeded, and free from pests and diseases.

Depending on the grape variety, your intended use of the grapes, and the area’s slope, you may need to construct a trellis for a support system. However, this can often wait until the summer or fall, once the grapevines have grown larger. In addition to making your harvest easier, a trellis can help keep the vines away from small animals.

Step 5: Pruning and Maintenance

Once you start noticing growth on your vines, it can be tempting to let them grow freely until it is time to harvest. However, you will still need to wait to enjoy the rewards of your efforts; grapes can only grow on vines that are at least one year old. Once you reach that point, you will focus on regular maintenance.

Pruning will ensure that new growth develops. The vines will be dormant from December through March, making it the perfect time to prune them. Prime your plants for new growth by:

Cutting each vine back to one or two canes.

Trimming each cane until it has between two and eight buds.

Removing all but the two strongest shoots when growth resumes.

Occasionally pruning back more when needed.

At this point, only the main trunks and year-old growth should remain. Do not hesitate at this step; most places you see when visiting “Oklahoma vineyards near me” cut off more of the vines than they leave.

Of course, when growing grapes in Oklahoma, maintenance goes beyond pruning. Make sure that your plants are well-watered and free from weeds. Watch out for disease and pests, and have a plan in place for what to do if damage occurs. Also, consider fertilizing your grapevines.

Step 6: Harvest and Post-Harvest

The grapes will begin to ripen in July; this period is known as “Veraison.” At this step, keep focusing on maintenance, but start preparing for the harvest season. This may occur in late summer or early fall, depending on your grape variety. After your grapes have been harvested, the vines will go dormant, allowing you to repeat the process once it is time to prune your plants again.

Interested in Visiting Oklahoma Vineyards Near Me?

Whether you are starting your own business or want to enjoy homemade wines from plants grown in your backyard, starting a vineyard is a fun and fulfilling experience. To learn more about growing grapes in our state or to find exciting places to visit when you travel Oklahoma vineyards, get in touch with OGIC.

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WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT PAIRING DISCOVER OKLAHOMA WINES WITH FOOD

Whether it be a birthday, holiday, or get-together, enjoying delicious Oklahoma grape wine with your meal is an excellent way to enjoy time with your friends and family. It is always best to pair your wine closely with your meal of choice to enhance your dining experience. Here is what you should know when pairing your favorite wines with your meal.

The Basics of Wine Pairings: Food Flavors

To help select your wine choice for your gathering, categorize the main dish of your meal into one of the five food flavor profiles. These profiles can help you determine which wines work best with certain flavors.

Acidic

Acidity is a common flavor in a variety of dishes. The general rule of thumb is that the wine should be equal to or more acidic than the dish, adding a crisp freshness to your meal. If the dish is more acidic, the flavor of the wine will fall flat. Crisp white discover Oklahoma wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc, pair well with acidic dishes such as fish or a fresh salad with an acidic dressing.

Bitter

Unlike acidity, bitter foods should not be paired with bitter wines, as it only enhances the bitterness. Complementary pairings, or those that do not share many flavor compounds, work best with bitter foods. Consider pairing bitter foods with an acidic white wine or red wine with lower tannins, such as Pinot Noir.

Umami

Umami is a unique, earthy flavor that enhances the acidity and bitterness of wine and decreases the perception of sweetness. It is crucial to consider the dish’s salt content. If the meal has an umami flavor with low salt content, it can make the wine taste harder, so try sweet or off-dry discover Oklahoma wines packed full of fruitiness. If the food has an umami flavor with high salt content, it tends to have the opposite effect. Try pairing it with a more fruity, acidic wine to bring some crispness.

Sweet

When it comes to sweet dishes and desserts, it is best to pair these with sweet wines equal to or higher in sugar content than the food. If the dish is sweeter than the wine, your wine will be stripped of its delicious flavors. Likewise, sweet foods can make wines taste bitter and lose their fruit flavors, so avoid pairing sweet foods with wines with high tannins.

Salty

Salt rounds out the taste of many dishes, from fried foods to pasta sauce. Salty foods can help bring out the sweetness of Oklahoma grape wine and hide bitterness and tannins. To bring more balance to a salty dish, try pairing it with acidic, fruity wines or sparkling wines.

Discover Local Wineries On the Oklahoma Winery Map

If you are searching for a wine to compliment your meal, browse your local wineries to find the perfect match. At the Oklahoma Grape Industry Council, we have members throughout the state that sell delicious, locally-made wines. For more information about the OGIC or to learn more about the Oklahoma winery map, please contact us today.

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Locate the Nearest Winery in Oklahoma | Oklahoma Grape Industry Council

Our members include local wineries and vineyards where you can shop, eat, taste, and pick a few things for home. Locate your nearest wineries or to learn more about wineries and vineyards!

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Plan Your Perfect Trip with Oklahoma Winery Maps | OGIC

If you are preparing for a couple’s vacation, a getaway with friends, or a trip with your family, an Oklahoma winery map can be a valuable tool as you plan your travels. These lists feature winery and vineyard locations that offer unique wines and experiences – many of which may only be available locally.

When You Choose Your Destinations with an Oklahoma Winery Map:

Figure Out How Long the Trip Will Be

Whether you are visiting one winery or several, give yourself the time to enjoy the unique experiences each location offers. This will not easily be done if you are rushing from place to place. As such, before you start choosing wineries and vineyards to visit, you need to first determine how long your trip will be. Depending on the length of the trip, you may go to one vineyard or several locations.

Pick the Ideal Time of Year to Go

Many people who travel Oklahoma winery and vineyard locations do so from the late spring through early fall. At that time, the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy wine outside, and you may be able to watch the grape harvest. Of course, you can still enjoy a winery trip in the fall or winter. Because there may be fewer people at the winery or vineyard, your experience could be more quiet and personal.

Study the Available Types of Wine

Before you select which locations to visit, it can be helpful to first look into the varieties of wine that the vineyard or winery specializes in. This can ensure that, when you visit the tasting room, you will have at least a few options to look forward to. Of course, as with any wine tasting experience, try to stay open about trying new things.

Reserve Your Tours and Tastings

Many wineries and vineyards gladly take walk-in visitors, but you do not want to drive to your destination, only to discover that a reservation was required. To prevent this issue and ensure that you still have your ideal vacation experience, call before you visit the Oklahoma winery. During your call, you may learn more about available tours and tastings. You could even find out about special events before they are posted online.

Consider Transportation and Lodging

While these trips are meant to be enjoyable, it is important that you enjoy everything responsibility. As you plan your trip, remember to consider your options for transportation and lodging. If you visit a tasting room or a wine tasting event, you could hire a taxi or bring a designated driver. If the winery or vineyard is far from your home, it can be best to book a hotel room.

Travel Oklahoma Winery and Vineyard Locations with OGIC

If you want to enjoy unique wines and fun traveling experiences that you can only find in our state, consider visiting some of the winery and vineyard members of the Oklahoma Grape Industry Council. To learn more about OGIC’s members and our industry as a whole, please contact us.

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What to Expect During Oklahoma Wine Tours

As you venture on the Oklahoma wine trails, touring a winery is a great way to taste local wines and gain more insight into the local wine industry. Every wine tour will be different depending on the location. However, there are a few things you can generally expect on every wine tour.

Things to Expect on Oklahoma Wine Tours

Touring the Property

Whether you travel Oklahoma vineyards or visit local wineries, most wine tours include an in-depth property tour. Most tours will show you the different stages of their winemaking process. They usually begin by showcasing the rows of grapevines before moving indoors to their processing area. Tours typically end in the wine cellar for guests to peek at the beautiful wine barrels and rows of bottles waiting to be opened.

Learning History

Throughout your tour, the guide will share the history of their establishment. Likewise, many establishments seek to educate guests about the popular grape varieties in the area, the different types of wines they produce, and more detailed information about their unique winemaking process. If you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask your guide for more information.

Tasting Local Wines

One of the most fun parts of Oklahoma wine tours is tasting the wines. Most wine tours have a selection of one to six wines to sample. As you taste, the guide will give you insight into what region the grapes are from, how each wine is made, and details about its flavors and aromas. Some locations also offer delicious appetizers made from local products for an extra fee.

How to Prepare for Your Wine Tour

Wine tours are an excellent way to taste local wines and increase winemaking knowledge. When preparing to travel Oklahoma vineyards, here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure the success of your trip

1. Make a reservation.

2. Dress comfortably.

3. Practice your tasting technique beforehand.

4. Take notes during the tasting.

5. Tip appropriately.

6. Be prepared to purchase a bottle.

Discover Local Wines on the Oklahoma Wine Trails

Whether you are new to wines or an experienced connoisseur, embarking on a wine tour will surely be a treat. At the OGIC, our members throughout Oklahoma offer fantastic wine tours, tastings, and other fun experiences. If you would like more information about our organization, pleasecontact ustoday.