Newbie here....

I live on the east side of the Sierra Nevada, near the north end of
California's share of the Mojave Desert. The soil on my 2 1/2 acres is just
slightly on the alky side of neutral, drains well but has sufficient
colloids to bind it. Winter temperatures drop into the mid-teens for a few
days. In the summer we climb well above 100, sometimes hitting 105 for a
couple weeks straight with an occasional spike up to 115.
My garden works just fine for any vegie I've tried to grow. I have an
abundance of fine compost. I have a Thompson Seedless that is 15 or so years
old and, when I tend to it, produces well enough.
My preference is for red wines -- Merlot and Pinot with an occasional
Cabernet.
I'd like to put in ten or so vines next spring.
Any recommendations?

Regards,

Casey Wilson
Freelance Writer and Photographer

Casey,

Seems like wine grapevines grow just about anywhere. The trick of
course is getting quality grapes.

I suspect heat will be your problem. Vines tend to 'shut down' after
about 96 degrees F. The stomata (little pores on the underside of the
leaves) close up - effectively stopping respiration and photosynthesis.
That doesn't mean you can't grow wine grapes, just means that you may
not have the same growing conditions as somewhere cooler.

I have about 150 vines over here on the western sierra slope (western
edge of the Tahoe Nat Forest). Around here, it seems to be too hot for
quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Syrah does well, as does Zin - and there
are some very good Cab Francs around. Too hot for Pinot and Merlot. My
vineyard is syrah and Marsanne. Our biggest issue is the soil (lack
of). I recommend doing anything you can to create as much soil depth as
possible. Drip irrigation is a must - and don't be shy about
fertilizing for the first few years while you're establishing roots and
vigor.

One more thought - if you can find room for 20 vines, do. You'll be
better served than with 10.