How to Cut a Grape Cluster

Grapes have been cultivated since 6000 B.C. While the Greeks were the first to attempt to make wine from grapes, the Romans refined the process of growing them. Over time, grape culture has become more sophisticated, and we now have dessert grapes, wine grapes and table grapes. Whether you plan to make wine, or grow grapes to make jams and jellies, raisins or to eat fresh off the vine, you will be pleased by how easy they are to grow and harvest.

Picking snips
Container
Towel

Instructions

- 1
  Ensure that your snips are sharp and well-oiled.
- 2
  Determine if the cluster is ready for harvest. The easiest way to do this is to taste one of the grapes. Choose a grape at the bottom tip of the cluster, as these are typically the last to ripen.
- 3
  Grab the grape cluster’s stem and use the clippers to cut it off at the cane.
- 4
  Check the cluster for damaged grapes and snip them off by the stem. Avoid pulling them off with your hands because any pulp left on the stem may cause rot of the entire cluster.
- 5
  Lay the cluster in the container and cover with a towel to protect it from the sun while you harvest the remaining grape clusters.

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