Riesling grapevines for sale

Riesling Grapevine | Grow, Care & Planting Guide

Riesling is a highly aromatic white grape variety known for producing wines of remarkable finesse, freshness, and ageability. It is capable of producing a wide spectrum of styles, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, often with a distinctive mineral or flinty character. Riesling is prized for its ability to express terroir clearly while maintaining vibrancy and balance.

  • Originated in Rhineland, Germany
  • Ripening Period: Early season
  • Low - Moderate vigor
  • Low yield
Availability

Preferred Climate

Riesling performs best in a cool to moderate climate, where slow ripening allows the development of delicate aromatics and retention of high natural acidity. It thrives on well-drained soils and benefits from sites with good sunlight exposure to achieve balanced sugar accumulation.

Growth Characteristics

Riesling produces small, loose clusters of small berries with thin skins, which contribute to delicate color and aromatic precision. The vine exhibits low to moderate vigor and naturally low yields, which help concentrate flavors. It buds and ripens early, making it susceptible to spring frost, and benefits from careful site selection and canopy management to optimize sun exposure and airflow. Riesling adapts well to steep slopes, slate, and well-drained soils, which enhance its aromatic complexity and minerality.

How to Plant & Care for Riesling Grapevines

  • Pre-irrigate soil 24 hours before planting
  • Acclimate the grapevine to site temperature before planting
  • Remove any plastic pot before planting a green potted grapevine
  • Plant the vine so the graft union is ~6 inches above the soil line
  • Install a plant protector over the vine
  • Irrigate based on soil type and site conditions
  • View our planting guides for in-depth instructions
Green Potted Vine Planting GuideDormant Bareroot Vine Planting Guide

Wine Profile

Riesling wines are typically light- to medium-bodied with high acidity and low to moderate alcohol, though late-harvest or botrytized styles can be richer and sweeter. Aromatically, they display citrus, green apple, stone fruit, floral notes, and often a pronounced mineral or petrol nuance with age. On the palate, Riesling wines are precise, vibrant, and expressive, with a balance of fruit, acidity, and, when applicable, sweetness. They can age for decades, developing honeyed, nutty, and complex secondary flavors while maintaining a refreshing backbone of acidity.

Clones

  • FPS 1 - (Researching)
  • FPS 12 - Moderate to high vigor and yield. Large cluster sizes. Some cold tolerance.
  • FPS 19 - Moderate to high vigor, moderate yield. Small cluster sizes.
  • FPS 23 - Recommended for warmer sites.