I have never been on the fruit section so here we go for what it is worth. I am not a gardener but have inherited grape vines at two of the houses I have lived in and bought one for the third. In my limited knowlegde, I think you can buy some more hardy that others so they are out there to suit most situations.
The one we bought from a young plant, we were told to cut off all of the fruit for the first three years so that all the energy went into growing rather than fruit production. We were also told to cut it back every year two thirds back into the the new growth. It actually worked and on its forth year we had amazing fruit to eat. We still had to be selective of the amount of fruit we allowed to grow on it - that I cannot remember the math - just keeping one bunch per section I think or something like that.
We bought that one to give us natural shade in our outdoor veranda. For the first year we completely covered the roof inside with beach mats which was a cheap option and had a natural look and kept the area cool. For the next two years with new growth we removed a mat or two and by year four the vine had completely covered the roof space and looked glorious. From then on it just needed pruning and thinning and we loved it. We had to leave it behind to move here in year six and inherited a really old established vine which grows on the wall of the house. Unfortunately it is in such a position that it is impossible to get to, so we just look at it and that is all. Perhaps we will indulge ourselves when we move again and I will get John to build me a pergolia or another veranda type construction to house another one.
Judging by the look on his face, perhaps not!
Kate
