Grape/Vine Identification - General Question

[nephils]

Hi All,
As I said in my intro thread, last year I purchased a home and property with an established half acre vineyard. The vineyard has been in place for at least 20 years, but could be as old as 40. There are five rows with about 40 +/- vines per row. For its entire existence the vineyard was well maintained and very productive, until the previous owner passed away in 2010. I was told by the neighbor that the grapes are a mix of reds and whites, with several varieties, including Concord and Ives, as well as others (unknown), including hybrids. Also, I was told by same neighbor that they were planted in no particular order or grouping.

I've spent the last year trying to learn as much as possible and going through the experience of the season. The most difficult thing has been trying to figure out what I have. I've gone through numerous data bases and photos online, but they just aren't detailed enough for me to compare...plus, it's been a challenge to figure out a system of taking notes on each individual vine so that I can do some sort of inventory and figure out what is what.

So when trying to ID them, are there certain characteristics to look for that may be highly specific to a certain variety?

For example:
Leaf shape
Bunch weight and tightness at veraison
Berry size
Growth of canes
Start of veraison (in Southern New Jersey)
Lateral growth
Cane thickness
Taste

Using some of the above, is there any tried and true method of narrowing it down? For example, several vines have very distinct leaf shape unlike any others...they also have small berries with reddish canes and stems. Others have bright yellow-green canes with big fat berries in extremely tight clusters. One vine is just starting to regrow from ground and has bright red shoot tips. Many of the vines seem to re-grow 6 inch laterals overnight after pulling them, are certain variety more prone to this? Are hybrids trunks visibly different than Concord? Some of these trunks are massive...most are cordon/spur VSP though the trellis is in deplorable condition. Will it be easier closer to maturity when I can taste the grapes? At least then I will be able to narrow it down between white and red...

Also, would this be something a vineyard consultant might be able to do with mature vines?

Finally, if I took some pictures, are there folks here that could possibly identify certain characteristics of a known variety?

Sorry for the array of questions but I'm just trying to find a system and make quality wine!

Thanks in advance!

 

[GreginND]

Maybe - but it is difficult. You should take pictures of the shoots when they are young and leaves just coming out, pics of the fully open leaves, pics of the grape clusters before and after veraison. And anything you can say about early or late bud break, the timings of the things you mentioned, and growth habits (e.g. trailing down or upward growth, forms a lot of laterals or not, etc.).

 

[salcoco]

any wineries in your neighbor hood. ask them to view a cluster of ripe grapes they should be able to identify. or ask them to visit.

 

[terrymck]

You could call your local extention office. It will be connected with your state ag college. Ask if they have a grape specialist that would be willing to come out and ID what you have. You could mention that you are planning a commercial operation.