Vitis 'REGENT' grapevine

Regent is a grape vine variety which already belongs among most popular European varieties used for wine making. It is an interspecific cross between varieties Diana and Chambourcin from 1967, developed in Germany. It forms small to medium-sized, 10-15 cm long grapes with small to mid-sized berries about 1.5 cm in diameter. When fully ripe, they are dark blue like blueberries and have a full body, harmonious flavor with a good balance between sweetness and tartness. For table use, a late harvest from the beginning to the middle of October is recommended, during which the berries have a reduced acid content and are therefore sweeter. However, for winemaking it is better to harvest already in September. It is self-fertile.

Grape vine has to be pruned every year in warmer days of January or at the end of winter after the danger of the worst frosts. Cut back side branches to 2-3 buds since 2-years-old wood bears fruit. Treat it against mite before buds open. When the fruit begins to form nice grapes cut off the new shoots a few centimeters above the grape and do not let it grow again. From midsummer you can start removing leaves from above the grapes to allow direct sunlight. Get some wasp-trap as they could ruin your crop.

Grow grape vine in sunny and airy (not windy) locations. It is not suitable for damp sites and shady pergolas where it can easily be affected by diseases. Provide a good support. The best results are on slopes – because of the angle of sun rays. Extra watering is desired by end spring, and later only if the summer is dry, and always directly in the soil, never water the whole plant. In autumn remove fallen leaves from under the plants as they might contain diseases and mites. Fertilizing is good if adequate, otherwise the plant will grow wild and set too much fruit of inferior quality. Regent is proved hardy to at least -27 °C.

Last update 25-09-2023