best grape vines

Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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If you’re searching for the best grape vines to plant in New Zealand, you’re in the right place. Growing your own grape vines is rewarding, whether you’re after sweet table grapes, luscious fruit for winemaking, or ornamental charm for your garden. With our climate and local expertise, there’s never been a better time to add these versatile, productive plants to your landscape. This guide highlights the top-performing, proven varieties for Kiwi gardens—perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy homegrown grapes at their finest.

Grape Albany Surprise

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Grape 'Albany Surprise' is a reliable grape variety known for its sweet, flavoursome fruit and strong growth in NZ gardens. This vigorous vine produces consistent crops when grown in a sunny, sheltered position. With lush foliage and a climbing habit, Grape 'Albany Surprise' is ideal for pergolas, trellises, and fences, providing both ornamental appeal and a rewarding harvest.

Buy Grape Albany Surprise

From $30.29

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Grapevines

Height: 5.00 m

Spread: 5.00 m

Garden uses: Arches, Living areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern

'Pinot Gris' grape vine with pink fruit amidst lush, green foliage.

Grape 'Pinot Gris'

Grape 'Pinot Gris' is a popular grapevine valued for its high quality fruit used in producing crisp aromatic white wines and for fresh home growing. This versatile grape performs very well in New Zealand conditions, particularly in sunny sheltered sites. It is ideal for gardeners wanting a productive vine with ornamental appeal. Grape 'Pinot Gris' adds structure, seasonal interest, and delicious fruit to home gardens, pergolas, and vineyards.

Buy Grape 'Pinot Gris'

From $30.29

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Grapevines

Height: 3.00 m

Spread: 3.00 m

Flowering time: Spring

Garden uses: Arches

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Modern

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Callisia, Cissus, Grape, Lagerstroemia, Muehlenbeckia, Orange, Pandorea, Parthenocissus, Penstemon, Phaseolus, Pyrostegia Solanum and Tecomanthe, or related Categories - Orange Trees, Deciduous Climbers, Evergreen Climbers, Grapevines, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants Perennials and Deciduous Trees.

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Why Choose the Best Grape Vines for Your Garden?

Selecting the best grape vines is the first step to a successful and fruitful grape season. The ideal variety depends on your growing conditions and end use: crisp eating grapes, flavourful wine varieties, or simply adding colour and texture with an ornamental vine. In New Zealand, disease resistance, climate adaptability, and flavour are all key factors. Carefully chosen grape vines flourish with minimal fuss, producing heavy yields and delicious fruit for years to come.

Top Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

Grape Himrod

Grape Himrod is a favourite among home gardeners for its reliable crops of sweet, juicy green-gold grapes. This seedless variety is known for exceptional cold hardiness and disease resistance, making it ideal for many New Zealand regions. Himrod’s early ripening means you can be snacking on fresh grapes straight from the vine before most other varieties are ready.

Grape Thompson Seedless

Another staple in Kiwi gardens, Grape Thompson Seedless is a classic for a reason. Its crisp, sweet fruit is perfect for eating fresh or drying into homemade raisins. Loved for versatility and abundant yields, Thompson Seedless vines are a must-have for anyone seeking the best grape vines for table use.

Grape Flame

Grape Flame stands out for its vivid red fruit and early, generous harvests. Its semi-seedless berries are juicy and sweet, with good disease tolerance. Flame is excellent for both eating fresh and adding vibrant colour to fruit bowls or platters.

Grape 'Pinot Gris'

For those interested in home winemaking, Grape 'Pinot Gris' is one of the top wine grape choices. This variety is celebrated for its aromatic, well-balanced fruit that is the heart of many world-class white wines. Its hardy, vigorous vines adapt well to a range of New Zealand microclimates.

Vitis vinifera (Ornamental Grape Vine)

If you’re after a fast-growing, beautiful foliage climber, try the Vitis vinifera (Ornamental Grape Vine). With its striking leaves that turn brilliant shades in autumn, this vine adds visual interest while still producing small fruit clusters—ideal for arbors, pergolas, and decorative structures.

Tips for Growing the Best Grape Vines

Whichever variety you choose, grapes thrive in free-draining soil and a sunny, sheltered position. Prune annually to promote healthy growth and plentiful fruit. Mulch well and water regularly, especially during dry spells, to ensure your vines remain vigorous and productive.

Discover the Best Grape Vines for Every Kiwi Garden

From table grapes like Grape Himrod and Grape Flame, to wine and ornamental options such as Grape 'Pinot Gris' and Vitis vinifera (Ornamental Grape Vine), there’s a top-performing variety to suit every New Zealand gardener. Choose the best grape vines for your needs and enjoy years of fresh, delicious harvests from your own backyard.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.