Vitis vinifera Solara - Grape vine

The 'Solara' vine is both a table variety and a wine variety. It produces compact clusters of fairly large oval, bark blue grapes. Their pulp is sweet with a slight acidity. They can be consumed fresh, as juice, as jelly, or transformed into wine. The harvest takes place from the end of August to mid-September depending on the region. This vigorous and cold-resistant variety is also resistant to diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew. It is perfect for covering a pergola.

From the Vitaceae family, Vitis vinifera grew in the wild over 5000 years ago. Many hybrids have emerged over the centuries, improving the flavour and disease resistance of grape varieties. The 'Solara' vine was obtained in Germany. It was selected for its cold resistance (although it dislikes late April frosts due to its early bud burst period) and its resistance to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and downy mildew.

The vigorous 'Solara' vine is a climbing plant that can reach up to 6 m in height; its final shape will depend on the pruning practised. The vine attaches itself to its support thanks to its tendrils and likes very sunny situations. 
This vine produces compact clusters of medium-sized, oval grapes with dark blue skin and practically seedless. Their pulp is very sweet and aromatic with a slight acidity. They can be consumed as table grapes, but also as juice or jelly. It is also a grape variety that can be vinified, although it is not very present in vineyards today. Depending on the region, the clusters are harvested between late August and mid-September. Its nectar-rich flowering occurs in May-June. The pale yellow flowers, although discreet, emit a subtle fragrance. Its large trilobed leaves are green in summer and transform in autumn to take on shades ranging from coppery yellow to bright red. 

This 'Solara' vine, resistant to fungal diseases, avoids the need for a range of treatments and is suitable for organic gardens and permaculture. Why not plant a white grape variety like Phoenix, with a muscat aroma, alongside it. Consider the pomegranate, which will bring a tangy touch to your grape juice, with the Provence Pomegranate tree.