Grape varieties:

Cabernet Sauvignon

• Wine grape of European origin
• Plant vines 5' - 7' apart depending on site conditions.
• Needs well-drained soil.
• Mid to late-season harvest in August to late October.
• If grown in areas too cool for this variety, it can develop a 'green bell pepper' aroma. In areas too warm, fruit does not develop it's normal character.
• Moderately susceptible to powdery mildew; quite susceptible to Eutypa dieback (delays shoot emergence in spring; causes stunted, chlorotic shoots and leaves)

Chardonnay

• Wine grape of European origin
• Plant vines 4' - 6' apart
• Adaptable to a wide range of soil types but prefers deep, enriched, moist soils
• Cool, coastal areas with persistent winds can reduce the growth and yield
• Yield varies by climatic region and cultural practices
• Early season variety. Ripens August/September in warmer regions; mid to late October in cooler regions.
• Highly suscepticle to powdery mildew and Pierce's desease (a bacterium that affects the water-carrying capacity of the plant's xylem. Spreads by sap-feeding insects.)
• Birds like fruit
• Prefers cooler climate regions for highest quality

Concord

• Table grape of American origin
• Seeded blue fruit
• Use for cooking, juice, jelly

Flame Seedless

• Table grape of European origin
• Seedless red grape
• Early harvest in early July
• Very vigorous

Merlot

• Wine grape of unknown origin but most likely European
• Prefers cool to warm climate regions
• Prefers deep, sandy loam or well-drained soils with good moisture-holding capacity. Sensitive to zinc deficiency, salinity and cold, wet conditions.
• Yields vary from year to year
• Midseason harvest in mid-September to mid-October
• Slightly susceptible to powdery mildew and Pierce's disease. Moderately susceptible to Botrytis bunch rot with fall rains.
• Cool weather during bloom will result in less fruit setting. Fertilize after bloom.

Perlette Seedless

• Table grape of European origin
• Pale yellow, seedless fruit
• Use fresh for eating, less sweet than 'Thompson Seedless'
• Needs less heat than most European varieties
• Early season harvest, late June/early July

Thompson Seedless

• Table grape possibly originating from Persia
• Dominant raisin variety in California
• Large clusters of small, sweet, seedless greenish amber fruit
• Vines are vigorous and adaptable to a wide range of soils
• Plant vines 7' - 8' apart
• Does best in hot, dry areas
• Peak harvest is late August to mid-September
• Moderately susceptible to powdery mildew, and Pierce's disease (a bacterium that affects the water-carrying capacity of the plant's xylem. Spreads by sap-feeding insects.)

Zinfandel

• Wine grape of unknown origin but possibly Hungary
• Heavy fruit producer in fertile soil, better suited for moderate to low-fertility, well-drained soil.
• Space vines 5' apart, more if planted in fertile soil.
• Production varies and depends on climate, soil fertility, irrigation and management practices
• Mid to late-season harvest
• Fruit needs to be thinned to allow ripening
• Moderately resistant to powdery mildew and Eutypa dieback (delays shoot emergence in spring; causes stunted, chlorotic shoots and leaves)
• Fruit produces wine with berry and spice flavors in cool climates, not so obvious if grown in warm areas.
• Makes an excellent dessert or port wine.

 

http://ucanr.org/sites/gardenweb/Growing_Grapes_in_the_California_Garden/