Decided on the main type of vine to grow.

[xanxer82]

After extensive research on the MD grape growers site, I decided to grow merlot.
I'm in usda zone 7 and merlot is said to do well here and is in high demand from wineries. Although I will be using these few vine at the inlaws house, I believe it will give me practice with that variety of grapes in terms of trellising and growing habits.
Now just to find some merlot vines and sangiovese... I'd rather start with cuttings since I can make them grow with a bit of rooting hormone. Eventually, I'd graft root stocks.

 

[Racer]

Do yourself a big favor and start with grafted vines if you are going with vinifera vines (merlot and sangio.). If you don't you will more then likely see your vines die at an early age. Here is a link to Double A vineyard they have merlot on 101-14 rootstock still in stock.