My wife wanted me to plant "Champagne Grapes" which I have discovered are Black Corinth. Your site suggests that these are not appropriate for home growers. Can you suggest a few varieties of seedless very sweet grapes which would be suitable for the Sedona Area. Our yard is "red rock" soil. I can provide irrigation, if needed. I'd also appreciate any purchasing information you can provide.

I asked my friend Andy who works with grapes and here is what he said:

" I would recommend Raintree Nursery, which ships far & wide, to regions around the nation. They carry a great selection of grapes, including varieties ranging from those suited to northern latitudes, to cool summer marine climates, to hot climate varieties, which sounds like what Sedona offers. I'd try some of the cabernet varieties, syrah, or other European varieties. Give the Black Corinth a try, and see how it responds to the heat/light/irrigation/trellising."

My note: I don't know much about Syrah grapes....I can not confirm they are seedless....only that they are now popular in California as wine grapes.

Millers nursery has quite a nice selection of wine grapes in their latest catalog. Raintree has a bunch too, but more for the Northwest.

Why not collect the whole set? LOL

First I have to build a grape arbor. I found a really nice corner design which fits nicely with the Native American theme. I'm thinking Thompson Seedless, Flame Seedless and another red or purple seedless variety. Thanks for your advice.

Actually you can plant your grape plants now, and take a year to get your arbor up if you need the time. I once spaced my grapes exactly 10 feet apart and grew them for 2 years, THEN constructed my galvanized steel arbor, when they were two years in the ground. Looking at it now, you'd never be able to tell who went in first!

That was around 10 years ago, give or take.

That's a good idea. I may do it. I'm not sure when I'll have the cash to do the arbor, but the plants don't cost much.