Cindy's Recipes and Writings
Farmers cut back the grape vines to encourage new growth. This is an excellent time to take advantage of cuttings for craft projects.
According to Joe Greff, owner and winemaker of Blue Mountain Vineyards and Cellars in New Tripoli,
Pennsylvania (www.bluemountainwine.com), pruning begins when the plants go dormant. “We start pruning in
December and continue right through the end of April if needed,” Greff said,” An average acre of vineyard contains
940 to 960 plants per acre. Each vine has two arms and we cut off between two and ten feet per arm.”
That’s a lot of trimmings.
Greff burns most of the trimmings, but like many vineyard owners, he will make these cuttings available to the
public. “Not many people ask for the cut grape vines, although we did have a group of customers make us a beautiful
wreath we display over our front door.”
A good source to find a vineyard in your area is the American Wineries Web site at www.americanwineries.org, which has links to wineries by state or growing region. You might also try your local county extension office for farms or co-ops in your area.
Soak the cuttings until pliable then shape into wreaths or various decorations. Grape vine projects can be used indoors or out.
