Vineyard Management 3D-Simulation
Simulation Design Document
Section I - Overview
1.1. Concept
In this 3D interactive learning activity users will face the challenges of purchasing and managing a vineyard. Their goal is to make a
profit each year—depending on market prices and harvest yield. The user is given a set amount of money with which to purchase a
vineyard and grow crops. The outcome is based on several choices made by the user. Along the way, users will learn about the
different kinds of grapes and root stocks. They will have to select and prepare the plot of land for planting. They will determine
which trellis system to use. They will battle pests and diseases and deal with a variety of weather conditions. They will train and
prune their vines for canopy management. Ultimately, they will harvest and sell their grapes.
1.2. Feature Set
Buy, plan, build, and manage a successful vineyard
Plant and maintain vines while responding to unexpected events and changing seasons
Overcome insect infestations, common diseases, and unpredictable weather
Diverse scenarios based on choice of vineyard location and grapes
1.3. Genre
Economy game/simulation—first person shooter camera view
1.4. Target Audience
Adult learners in viticulture courses
1.5. Flow Summary [How does the user move through the game? Both through framing interface and the simulation itself.]
1.6. Look and Feel
Realistic look and feel.
1.7. Project Scope – A summary of the scope of the game.
1.7.1. Number of locations—4 areas of the state
1.7.2. Number/types of grapes—15 varietals including European, hybrid, Native American,
1.7.3. Number/types of obstacles--
2. Section II – Simulation Play and Mechanics
2.1. Simulation Play
2.1.1. Simulation Progression
Users will navigate the activities from the perspective (camera view) of a first person shooter game. Users will be able to move and
manipulate objects using either mouse or keyboard controls. The user will be able to log in and save data in the Internet version.
The user begins with a set amount of money in the bank. The user must choose the plot of land to purchase. The cost of the land is
subtracted from their bank account. They will be provided with information on root stocks, grapes, and potential markets.
The user will design the vineyard, planning rows, and calculating the numbers of posts and plants needed. They must prepare the
soil, choose the trellis system, and select the grapes to grow.
Next are choices regarding disease and pest control—depending on which grapes were chosen and growth stage. The cost is
deducted from their coins.
They must go in and train/prune their vines (depending on the age of the vine).
Periodically, a pop-up window appears like a Chance card—weather conditions, disease or pest infestation, nutrition issues,
irrigation break-down, etc.
When all choices have been made, an assessment is made of the output of the vineyard and any profit made is added to their bank
account.
The cycle continues several times in yearly increments. Users will have the option of buying additional land and planting the same or
a different varietal.
Users can purchase additional vineyards if the funds are available and make different choices each time.
2.1.2. Mission/Challenge Structure
Every year will be a constant struggle to overcome pests, diseases, and weather conditions. The difficulty is determined by location
of vineyard, choice of grapes, and chance conditions.
2.1.3. Objectives
This 3D interactive learning activity investigates the practical management methods related to the vine physiology and vineyard
production. Students will learn about vineyard establishment and management practices. They should be able solve problems that
arise in the vineyard such as frost events, pest/disease, drought, excess water, etc. Their goal is to keep their plants healthy and to
make a profit at the end of the year.
2.2. Mechanics—What are the rules to the game, both implicit and explicit. This is the model of the universe that the simulation
works under. Think of it as a simulation of a world, how do all the pieces interact? This actually can be a very large section.
2.2.1. Physics— How does the physical universe work?
2.2.2. Movement
Mouse Controls:
Left mouse button: Click ground to walk places; click to select an item; hold & drag item; hold down and steer
Middle scroll wheel: Zoom in/out
Right mouse button: Hold down and rotate orientation of view/orbit the object. You will be able to see all sides including the
top and bottom
Hold down both left and mouse button: pan object up and down/right and left
Moving the mouse without holding down any buttons will cause the camera to orient in the direction in which the mouse is
pointed. [environments]
Keyboard Controls:
(W) / (S) keys: Pan object up/down
(A) / (D) keys: Pan object left/right
Up/down arrows: Move or rotate Forward/Backward
Left/right arrows: Move or rotate Left/Right
Zoom camera in and out: (+) / (-) (Don’t press shift key)
Print Screen: Print Screen key or Alt-Print Screen key: PC or Command-Shift-3: Mac
PRINT button: Click to save a text file with the statistics information to the folder containing the learning object executable
file.
Exit Window: Click X in the top right corner
New Activity: Click option from top buttons
Exit current activity: Click ESC button
Quit program w/o Saving: Press Alt F4: PC or Command Q: Mac or CLOSE button
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2.2.3. Objects
Cursors: The cursor shape changes, providing clues about the information available on the screen
[This information should be included only when there is a change from the general cursor]
Pointing arrow: general cursor
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Pointing Finger cursor: indicates can select item
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Flat hand cursor: indicates user can push items
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When user has grabbed an object, a closed hand cursor will appear and he/she can move the object.
2.2.4. Actions
Interaction Mode
Designated items within the environment will have a tool tip to display their type. A tool tip box will appear when the user hovers
the mouse over a certain node, dot, or circle that corresponds to type of item. The tool tip will initially only supply the category of
item (i.e., crop or equipment). A “more” button will be available in the lower right corner. If the user clicks the button, a larger text
box at the bottom of the screen will appear with the remaining information.
Example:
Type: Carlos Muscadine vine
Number: XX
Health: (Healthy, good, averaged, diseased, needs care…)
Additional Information:
The Carlos Muscadine is drought hearty and heat resistant.
2.2.5. Economy – What is the economy of the game? How does it work? Scoring System
Bank Status Report: amount of $ at start, $ deducted when makes purchases, $ added at the end for sale of grapes
Purchases:
 Vineyard site
 Grapes
 Fertilizer
 Weed control
 Equipment
 Employees
Year-End Reports
Harvest produced ____________ tons of grapes
(depends on site chosen, grapes chosen, trellis system chosen, and challenges faced)
Wholesale prices:
Sale of grapes:
Money expended during the year:
Profit:
Net Worth: ($ in bank acct for additional purchases next year)
Year 1 = 0 harvest
Year 2 =
Year 3 =
2.3. Screen Flow
2.3.1. Screen Flow Chart – A graphical description of how each screen is related to every other
2.3.2. Screen Descriptions – What is the purpose of each screen?
2.3.2.1. Main Menu Screen
2.4. Simulation Options [what are they and how do they affect play?]
Map
The interactive map shows you where you are. You can walk around the environment or choose the “fast-jump” method of
navigation. If you choose to walk, you will be represented by a triangle on the map. You can use the "fast-jump" method to be
transported directly to a specific region of the ILA by clicking and holding the M key (on the keyboard) and then clicking on a dot on
the map
Map examples
Difficulty: Determined based on choice of vineyard location, kinds of grapes & chance cards.
Locations
Yadkin River Valley
Cost 1,000,000--With a superb combination of sun, soil, and soul, this vineyard is in the heart of the most popular wine growing
region in the state. The area is rapidly gaining a reputation for growing high-quality grapes and producing world-class award-winning
wines. The vineyard is located in the northwest part of the state, bordered on the west by the Smokey Mountains and rolling to the
eastern edge of the state's Piedmont region. The clay-loam soils and temperate climate provide excellent conditions for growing
European varietals such as Chardonnay, Viognier, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc.
Swan Creek
Cost $500,000--The Vineyards of Swan Creek enjoy a unique climate and soil composition conducive to the production of vinifera
wine grapes. At the foothills of two mighty mountain ranges – the Western Ridge and the Smokey Mountains - the land is caressed
by cooling breezes from the north and west. Its proximity to the Smokey Mountains gives the Swan Creek area a distinct, loamy soil
consisting of schist, mica and other minerals. The Swan Creek area receives, on average, less precipitation than surrounding areas
which gives grapes grown in the region a better chance to ripen and avoid rot and disease.
Haw River Valley
Cost $500,000--This wine producing region located in the Piedmont area in the north-central part of the state is growing in
popularity with the "in" crowd. The region boasts a long growing season, with 214 frost-free growing days, making it a great place
for growing European vinifera and native muscadine grapes. The land is gently sloping with soils that are rich in minerals and welldrained.
Coastal Valley
Cost $1,000,000--Located in the coastal region (Zone 1) of the state. An 80-year-old farm house still stands on the property where 20
family members lived at one time.
Kinds of Grapes
Muscadines
Vitis rotundifolia
 Carlos
 Noble
Vitis vinifera (Old World)
 Chardonnay
 Viognier
 Muscat Ottonel
 Cabernet Sauvignon
 Cabernet Franc
 Merlot
Native American
Vitis labrusca
 Concord
 Niagara
Vitis aestivalis
 Norton (aka Cynthiana)
French hybrids
 Chambourcin
 Seyval blanc
American hybrids
 Traminette
 Chardonel
Equipment
High Tech
Cost $1,000,000--Shining stainless steel everywhere you look. Slightly better harvest and more of it, too!
Tourist Heaven
Cost $500,000--The quality of your grapes isn't as great, but you get lots of tourist money.
Hands On
Cost $250,000--You put your money into growing grapes, not catering to tourists or showing off your high tech equipment.
Good grapes, but not much of it.
Good Enough
Cost $100,000--Skimp everywhere, save a buck.
Chances
Depending on growth stage and vine development
The most important time to control diseases and pests in the vineyard is 2-3 weeks before bloom and 4-6 weeks after bloom. Any
infections that are allowed to establish during this time period will be very difficult to eradicate later in the season and may cause
significant fruit loss. It is recommended to increase the intensity of your spray program during this time period to limit infection
periods.
Pathogens: fungi, bacteria, viruses
Competitors: weeds
Feeders: nematodes, insects, vertebrates (birds, deer)
Frost Injury
Powdery mildew
2.5. Replaying and Saving
The user will be able to save his/her progress and return to the simulation to resume the scenario.
6. Section III – Story and Setting
6.1. Story and Narrative
6.1.1. Back story
6.1.2. Plot Elements
6.1.3. Simulation Progression
6.1.4. License Considerations
6.1.5. Cut Scenes
6.1.5.1. Cut scene #1—Vineyard Site Selection
6.1.5.2. Cut scene #2—Vineyard Design
6.1.5.3.Cut scene #3
Buy some grapes
Since your vineyard is brand new, you must buy grapes this year. Selection of the proper variety is a major factor for
successful grape production. When choosing a variety, consider grape type and regional adaptation, Pierce’s disease
susceptibility, and marketplace demand. Climatic conditions, and especially the frequency of damaging low winter
temperatures, are among the most important factors influencing the types of grapes and varieties that can most reliably be
produced in each area. Grape varieties fall into one of four groups: American, Hybrids, European, and Muscadine.
6.1.5.4. Cut Scene #4
6.2. Simulation World
6.2.1. General look and feel of world
6.2.2. Area
6.2.2.1. General Description
6.2.2.2. Physical Characteristics
6.2.2.3. Levels that use area
6.2.2.4. Connections to other areas
6.2.3. Area #2
6.2.3.1. etc.
7. Section IV – Levels (Management Tasks)
Steps
1
Topic
Vineyard Site Selection
terrain
soils
(geological survey data)
Vineyard Design
2
Decisions/Content Info
climate conditions
slope--length, steepness, aspect
soil type/texture
depth
parent materials
pH
diversion ditches
grass field border/headlands
layout--row set up
Trellis systems
 Types of Posts
 Quantities of Posts Required per
Acre of Vineyard
 Installing Line Posts
 Installing End Posts
 Wire Characteristics of Importance
Simulation Activities/Tasks
Real estate signs provide
information about different parcels
of land
Need to model different options-click on sign to "buy" the property
and enter the module
3
4
Site Prep
Varietal Selection
for Use in Vineyard Trellises
 Amount of Wire Required
 Installing Wires
 Tools and Gadgets for installing
Trellis Wires
 Preparing the Soil for Planting
 Marking the Field
 Irrigation
Muscadines
Vitis rotundifolia
 Carlos
 Noble
Vitis vinifera (Old World)
 Chardonnay
 Viognier
 Muscat Ottonel
 Cabernet Sauvignon
 Cabernet Franc
 Merlot
Native American
Vitis labrusca
 Concord
 Niagara
Vitis aestivalis
 Norton (aka Cynthiana)
French hybrids
 Chambourcin
 Seyval blanc
Completed by computer
American hybrids
 Traminette
 Chardonel
5
6
Planting
Canopy Management
Rootstocks
V. rupetris, V. riparia, V. berlandieri
 Preparing and Handling Vines
 Planting Techniques
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Vine growth & development
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Training--growth tubes, trellis
system
Adjusting the Number of Shoots Per
Vine
Defruiting
Managing Shoot Growth
Managing Row Middles
Nutrient deficiency symptoms
Controlling Pests
o vertebrates--birds, deer
o insects
Disease Management
Weather issues
o frost
o heat
o drought
Controlling Weeds Around Vines
Machinery/Equipment costs
Early-season Weed Control
Replanting
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7
Year 1 Management
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8
Year 2 Management
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Completed by computer
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9
Year 3 Management
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Year 2 Vine Management
Tying Grapevines
Pre-emergence Weed Control
Adjusting Shoot Number per Vine,
Suckering and Defruiting
Managing the Canopy
Managing Row Middles
Nutrient deficiency symptoms
o Fertilizing with Nitrogen
Controlling Pests
o vertebrates
o insects
Disease Management
Weather issues
o frost
o heat
o drought
Machinery/Equipment costs
Training
Pruning
Weed Control
Nutrient deficiency symptoms
o Fertilizing with Nitrogen
Controlling Crop
Controlling Pests
o vertebrates
o insects
Disease Management
Weather issues
o frost
o heat
drought
Machinery/Equipment costs
o
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10
Harvesting--Selling
market prices
3. Section III - Interface
3.1. Visual System
Interface Template
 Opening screen
o Rotating i3D and ENTER (formerly Skip Intro) button at the bottom.
o When click ENTER, should open the Orientation tab of the HELP book
 Main Menu Screen
o Top menu buttons
 Left: Agriculture, Equipment, Management
 Right: [Status] HELP, GUIDEBOOK, QUIT
o Bottom Right corner
 VLC logo/STEM logo
 FTCC logo
 Top Activity Options (menu) incorporate submenus if user mouses over the name, the submenu would drop down and allow
selection
o The submenus would not remain on the screen--should only appear when user mouses over top menu button
 Bottom Text Box
o Bottom text box should go across the entire bottom of the screen--although the text will be in the center of the
screen
o Bottom text box should disappear when the student moves mouse to another area of the screen
o Bottom text box should include an X in the top right corner so users can close the box
3.1.2. Menus
Guidebook: Orientation, Settings, Controls, Instructions, Resources, Credits
Agriculture: Grapes, Fertilizers, Pesticides, Soil, Irrigation
Equipment: Trucks, harvesters, ???
Management: Bank Balance, Buy, Sell, Statistics
Status: Weather, Month, Plant Health, Market Prices
3.1.3. Rendering System
The rendering system uses Unity.
3.1.4. Camera
The user camera will be first person, with no option to change.
3.2. Control System – How does the user control the game? What are the specific commands?
3.3. Music
Background music can be turned off through the Settings options
3.4. Sound Effects
Each Chance Card will have a sound signifying the type of chance
Weather—thunder clap
Insects
Weeds
Vertebrates
Diseases
Canopy Mismanagement
3.5. Help System
The user can access the Guidebook for Settings, Controls, Instructions, Resources, Credits.
The user can also mouse over objects to obtain additional information to help in making decisions.
Section V – Technical
5.1. Target Hardware
Available for viewing as a web-based application
5.2. Development hardware and software
3DS Max
5.3. Development procedures and standards
1. Design Document
2. Concept
3. Programming
4. Art for Interface
5. Interface
6. Art for Environments
7. Level Design
8. Character Concept
9. Art for Character
5.4. Simulation Engine
The simulation will be using Unity.
5.5. Network
The simulation will use the default networking interface for Unity.
5.6. Scripting Language
The simulation will use JavaScript and C++ as used by Unity.
6. Section VIII – Simulation Art
6.1. Style Guide
Programming Style Guide:
Fonts
 Ariel
 Text size 14
 Headings/Labels size 16
Colors
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Colors used to highlight selected items need to be ADA compliant Colors for the Color Blind website
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Highlighted items will initially be blue with mouse-over and fade to gray (??%)--not red.
Tool tips need to have a light background (preferably white) with black text and a box around them
Bottom text box should also have a light background with black text—not transparent. It’s too difficult to read
Color should be used sparingly for indicators/feedback and, if you do use it, you must also use a secondary indicator.
For example, color AND check mark or color AND audio response for positive feedback
Help Book
Tab 1/Orientation: Light Lavender Blue 6699FF
Tab 2/Controls: Light Rose FF99CC
Tab 3/Settings: Light Yellow FFFF66
Tab 4: Light Chartreuse CCFF66
Guidebook
Tab 1/Introduction: Light Lavender Blue 6699FF
Tab 2/Credits: Light Rose FF99CC
Tab 3/Resources: Light Yellow FFFF66
Tab 4: Light Chartreuse CCFF66
Instructions 1: Light Mustard FFCC66
Instructions 2: Light Grass Green 66FF66
Instructions 3: Light Plum CC99CC
Instructions 4: "Flesh" FFCC99
Sound/Narration
 Voice
o If included, need to also include the words in a text box or in the Guidebook Resources
o Need to include separate script as appendix to storyboard
 Environmental Sounds
 Interface Sounds
 Feedback Sound: Victory/Defeat, Correct/Incorrect
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Action Music
6.2. Environment
6.3. Grapes
Vitis vinifera (European)
With the development of phylloxera-resistant rootstocks and modern fungicides, European varieties can be planted in the southern
U.S. However, it is important to recognize the vulnerability of European grape varieties. European winegrape growers must use strict
disease and insect control programs, specialized pruning and training methods, and consistent canopy management techniques such
as leaf removal that will enhance wood maturity and minimize disease.
Varietal
Price
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape variety used to make white
wine. The Chardonnay grape itself is very neutral, with many of the
flavors commonly associated with the grape being derived from such
influences as terroir and oak. It is vinified in many different styles,
from the elegant, "flinty" wines of Chablis to rich, buttery Meursaults
and New World wines with tropical fruit flavors. It is one of the most
widely-planted grape varieties.
Viognier
Viognier is a type of white wine grape which is typically associated with the
Rhone Valley in France. The popularity of this grape is growing incredibly fast
and it is now produced in many regions across the world. The cost of
Viognier has also risen, although it is now available at reasonable prices in
some supermarkets. This growth has led some wine enthusiasts to comment
that Viognier is the ‘new Chardonnay’.
White Riesling
Riesling is a white grape variety which originated in the Rhine region
of Germany. Riesling is an aromatic grape variety displaying flowery,
almost perfumed, aromas as well as high acidity. It is used to make
dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling white wines. Riesling wines are
usually varietally pure and are seldom oaked. It is usually included in
the "top three" white wine varieties together with Chardonnay and
Sauvignon Blanc.
Petit Manseng
The highest quality of Manseng grape varieties. Small, thick-skinned
berries which are often left on the vine until December to produce a
late harvest dessert wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most widely recognized red
wine grape varieties. Its popularity is often attributed to the ease of
cultivating, with the grape's thick skins and hardy vines being resistant
to rot and frost, as well as the grape's consistency in presenting
structure and flavors expressing the typical character ("typicity") of
the variety. Familiarity and ease of pronunciation have aided Cabernet
Sauvignon wines to be good sellers among consumers, even when
from unfamiliar wine regions.
Cabernet Franc
Cabernet Franc is one of the major varieties of red wine grape in
Bordeaux. It is mostly grown for blending with Cabernet Sauvignon
and Merlot in the Bordeaux style, but is also vinified alone, particularly
in Chinon in the Loire. It is even made into ice wine in Canada.
Cabernet Franc is lighter than Cabernet Sauvignon, contributing
finesse and a peppery perfume to blends with more robust grapes.
Depending on growing region and the style of wine, additional aromas
can include tobacco, raspberry, and cassis, sometimes even violets.
The Cabernet franc wine's color is bright pale red.
Merlot
Merlot is a red wine grape that is used as both a blending grape and
for varietal wines. Merlot-based wines usually have medium body
with hints of berry, plum, and currant. Its softness and "fleshiness",
combined with its earlier ripening, makes Merlot an ideal grape to
blend with the sterner, later-ripening Cabernet Sauvignon. This
flexibility has helped to make it one of the most popular red wine
varietals in the United States.
Petit Verdot
Petit Verdot is a variety of red wine grape, principally used in classic
Bordeaux blends. It ripens much later than the other varieties in
Bordeaux, often too late, so it fell out of favor in its home region.
When it does ripen, it is added in small amounts to add tannin, color
and flavor to the blend. It has attracted attention among winemakers
in the New World, where it ripens more reliably and has been made
into single varietal wine. It is also useful in 'stiffening' the mid palate
of Cabernet Sauvignon blends.
Tempranillo
Tempranillo is a variety of black grape widely grown to make fullbodied red wines[1] in its native Spain. It is the main grape used in
Rioja, and is often referred to as Spain's "noble grape". Its name is the
diminutive of the Spanish temprano ("early"), a reference to the fact
that it ripens several weeks earlier than most Spanish red grapes.
Tempranillo wines can be consumed young, but the most expensive
ones are aged for several years in oak barrels. The wines are ruby red
in colour, with aromas and flavors of berries, plum, tobacco, vanilla,
leather and herb.
Syrah
Syrah is a dark-skinned variety of grape used in wine. Syrah is grown in
many countries and is primarily used to produce powerful red wines,
which enjoy great popularity in the marketplace, relatively often
under the synonym Shiraz. Syrah is used both for varietal wines and in
blended wines, where it can be both the major and minor component.
Sangiovese
Sangiovese is a red wine grape variety originating in Italy whose name
derives from sanguis Jovis, "the blood of Jove". It is most famous as
the main component of the Chianti blend in Tuscany, but winemakers
outside Italy are starting to experiment with it. Young sangiovese has
fresh fruity flavours of strawberry and a little spiciness, but it readily
takes on oaky, even tarry, flavours when aged in barrels.
Mourvèdre
Mourvèdre is variety of wine grape used to make both strong, dark
red wines and rosés. It is an international variety grown in many
regions around the world. Mourvèdre produces tannic wines that can
be high in alcohol, and is most successful in Rhone-style blends. It has
a particular affinity for Grenache, softening it and giving it structure.
Its taste varies greatly according to area, but often has a wild, gamey
or earthy flavour, with soft red fruit flavours
Hybrid
The introduction of North American pests, such as phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) and downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola),
into Europe in the mid-1800s, devastated European vineyards. Breeders responded by developing new varieties using wild American
grape species resistant to these pests to cross with the Vitis vinifera varieties of Europe. These varieties are generally more tolerant
of common winegrape diseases but may exhibit increased sensitivity to certain pesticides.
Varietal
Chambourcin
A late ripening seeded blue grape which produces a highly rated red
wine when fruit fully matures. It requires a long growing season and a
site less subject to low winter temperatures. The large, moderately
loose bunches set medium sized berries. The vine is very productive
and cluster thinning is required. Zones 2, 3
Seyval Blanc
Viticultural Characteristics: Nonnecke described ‘Seyval blanc’ as
having a moderately vigorous, semi-upright growth habit. Galet
reported that it buds out early and matures early. He added that
production is usually good, but can vary depending on soil and climate
conditions. He stated that it is capricious and subject to poor fruit set if
pruned too short and over cropping if pruned too long. Bordelon
reported that since vines have a tendency to overbear, cluster thinning
and shoot thinning are needed to ensure proper ripening and to
maintain vine size. One hundred days from bloom to harvest. Good
tolerance to 2, 4-D, but susceptible to dicamba.
Disease/Pests: ‘Seyval blanc’ is rated as highly susceptible to Botrytis
bunch rot, powdery mildew, and black rot; moderately susceptible to
downy mildew, Phomopsis cane and leaf spot; and slightly susceptible
to anthracnoseand Eutypa dieback. Domoto and Reisch et al consider it
highly susceptible to crown gall while Bordelon et al and Dami et al rate
it as moderately susceptible. Bordelon et al (also rates it moderately
Price
susceptible to black rot. It is not sensitive to injuries from sulfur but
may be sensitive to injuries from copper when applied under cool, slow
drying conditions.
Vidal blanc
Vidal Blanc has proven to be amongst the versatile varietals in North
American viticulture.
Traminette
Chardonel
Late ripening white seeded wine grape which produces a high quality
wine with varietal character. Superior to “Chardonnay”. Highly
productive and cold hardy. Zones 2, 3
American
These are grapes of Native American origin. These varieties typically need much less pesticide application than non-native grapes.
Varietal
Norton/Cynthiana
Blue/Black seeded fruit. Medium to small clusters. Late ripening. Makes most expensive
red wine of the hardy varieties. Good fruit intensity and quality. Zones: 2, 3
Price
Concord
Best known and most widely grown. A beautiful blue grape with large bunches.
Excellent for jelly, jams, and preserves and fresh juice. Seeded and ripens late
September. Zones 2, 3
Catawba
Niagara
Light green seeded, huge thick skinned, resistant to cracking, makes distinctive white
wine, ripens late September. Zones 2, 3
The muscadine is indigenous to the southeastern United States. They are well adapted to their native warm and humid climate; they
need fewer chilling hours than better known varieties, and they thrive on summer heat. Their winter hardiness is similar to European
wine grapes. Muscadines are not as seriously affected by Pierce’s disease as the other varieties. While not as glamorous as European
varietals, muscadines have gained in popularity not only for making wine but also for their other health benefits.
Varietal
Price
Carlos
Carlos is a vigorous, productive, self-fertile cultivar bred in North Carolina. Uniform
ripening facilitates mechanical harvesting of this cultivar. The primary use of Carlos is for
wine and juice processing. It does have a dry stem scar, making it acceptable as a fresh
market cultivar, though its small size and bitter, tough skin lowers its rating in consumer
taste tests. Carlos also has a tendency to “brown” when placed on grocery shelves after
being stored under refrigeration. Carlos is one of the most cold-tolerant cultivars when
completely dormant in the winter. However, it is prone to early budbreak and may
experience cold damage from late spring freezes or frosts. Zones 1, 2
Noble
Noble is the primary red muscadine cultivar used in wine and juice production. It is a
highly productive, vigorous, self fertile cultivar also bred in North Carolina. Its small size
and wet stem scar prevent its use for anything but processing. Noble is relatively cold
tolerant. Zones 1, 2
3 yr old vine
(fruiting
size)
$12.00 ea
6.4. Obstacles—pests, diseases, weather
6.5. Equipment
6.7. Resources
North Carolina Grape Growing (Dept of Commerce)
The North Carolina Winegrape Growers Guide
Vineyard establishment II Planting and early care of vineyards, MSU Extension Fruit Bulletins - 26459701 11/30/99
VineBalance Sustainable Viticulture in the Northeast--Grower Self-Assessment Workbook
Grape Pest Management Guidelines--UC-Davis
Articles summarizes two most popular methods for estimating grape crop yield (Traditional & Lag Phase Methods)
CropYieldEstimationMethods.pdf
Variation in some yield determining components in muscadine grapes and their correlation to yield
Anatomy of Winter Injury and Recovery
A downloadable 20 page manual from Cornell University describing winter injury of grapevines. Many color pictures of cold
damaged grapevines and tissues.
Costs & Expenses—different kinds of grapes—produced by UC-Davis