By Kay George, WSU Master Gardener
When I researched the best type of grape to plant in our home vineyard of six vines to cover our pergola, I came across a hybrid variety named Price. I am sure glad I planted this beautiful and prolific variety four years ago.
I recently harvested my first crop. It was small (perhaps only around five pounds), but the grapes themselves certainly did not disappoint. I have been so impressed with this variety; last year's clippings have been planted in a larger, 42 stake vineyard at the Garden Green off High Street in Sultan.
Price grapes were first bred at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Even though they contain a couple of small seeds per grape, they are considered table grapes. The Price is blue in color and similar to the Concord. However, they are higher in sugar content (22 degrees Brix) when compared to the Concord (16 degrees Brix). The skins are less bitter, allowing you to eat the whole thing. With the extremely sweet flesh, I simply devour the entire Price grape as most of the vitamins come from the skin and you get a fiber bonus from the seeds.
I purchased my starts from the vineyard of the late Lon Rombough out of Aurora, Oregon. The Price vines are prolific and have been reported to produce over 100 pounds per vine with up to three clusters per shoot when fully mature and properly pruned. Because this variety ripens early, it is the perfect grape for our cool Northwest climate. It is hardy down to -25 degrees F and very disease-resistant.
As much as you will like these grapes, so too will raccoons and other critters. Perhaps the hungry little hands of rodents can be addressed in a future article.
In the meantime, consider planting Price vines. In four years from planting, you will be as enthusiastic as I about this wonderful variety when you harvest your first crop. You too will see just what a great value the Price grapes are.
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