How to Plant Shiraz Grapes

Shiraz grapes, also known as syrah, grow in the Rhone Valley of France, as well as Australia, Italy, South Africa and California. The Shiraz variety grape is dark red, robust, fruity, tannic and deeply colored with flavors reminiscent of dark berries, chocolate, pepper or espresso coffee. Shiraz thrives best when planted in early spring to avoid disease caused by cold temperatures. It thrives in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 6 through 10.

Shovel
Two 5 to 6 foot posts
Heavy gauge wire
Hammer and nails
Compost

Instructions

- 1
  Select a site that receives 6 to 8 hours of sun per day and located near a water source. Avoid garden sites that are persistently wet during the growing season. Grapevines tolerate a wide range of soil types but prefer slightly acidic soil with pH 6.0 to 6.5.
- 2
  Dig a hole 18 inches deep.
- 3
  Establish a support system for the vine. Place two posts 4 feet on either side of the grapevine planting hole. Stretch heavy gauge wire between the poles and attach it with nails and a hammer. This creates a t-shape support system to train the canes.
- 4
  Insert the dormant grapevine into the hole so that 1 to 2 inches of the top is above the soil line. Hold the vine straight up as you fill the hole with compost enriched soil. Tamp the soil down firmly around the roots.
- 5
  Cover the vine loosely with a mound of soil free of clods and rocks. Grapevines need protection until they leaf. As leafing begins, gently pull back the protective mound.
- 6
  Irrigate thoroughly without disturbing the mounded soil. Repeat watering once per week. Grapevines need 1 inch of water per week.

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