A Business that’s Ripe for the Picking

Planet of the Grapes Grapevine Nursery: Helping Grow the Local Wine Business

Story by David Brewer

Located in Vilas, Planet of the Grapes Grapevine Nursery is the only business of its kind in the state. Operated by local resident Lynn Smith, the business specializes in the sales of young grapevines for potential grape growers looking to plant and harvest fruit for the High Country’s expanding wine business.

In recent years, the business of making wine in North Carolina has virtually exploded, particularly in the Yadkin Valley, where dozens of vineyards are now operating and producing higher quality wines with each passing year. Not to be left out of the wine game, several vineyards and wineries have also popped up in the High Country in recent years.

The latest wine-related business to sprout in the area is the Planet of the Grapes Grapevine Nursery. Located in Vilas at Spencer Mountain Vineyard and run by local resident and registered nurse Lynn Smith, Planet of the Grapes Grapevine Nursery specializes in planting and growing young grape vines at or above 3,000 feet elevation in hopes of selling them to other potential growers.

“[Dr. Lucien Wilkins] was gracious enough to borrow some of his land to put the nursery in,” said Smith. “I just knew that there was nobody else doing it and that there was a specialty here.”

In operation for little more than a year, the unique business specializes in growing the hardy Marachel Foch (red) and Seyval Blanc (white) vines—both French-American hybrid varietals. Most of the grapes grown over the last five years in the High Country have been French-American hybrids and have proven their ability to withstand the harsh winters and the area’s famously fluctuating climate.

According to Smith, her operation is the only grapevine nursery in the state. While vineyards throughout North Carolina are refining their winemaking techniques, many continue to rely on outsourced grapes from as far away as New York State. Smith hopes that her nursery will allow more people in the High Country to plant grapes for use by local wineries, which would help boost the local economy, as well as the local wine business.

“We’re really trying to promote locally grown, locally produced wine,” said Smith.

Prime transplanting time for the young grapevines is between one and three years, according to Smith. If cared for properly in an established growing spot, the vines should yield fruit in three to five years. Smith’s website, www.PlanetoftheGrapesNC.weebly.com, provides considerable information regarding techniques for potential growers.

During the last several months, Smith has become involved with ASU’s growing viticulture program and hopes that their partnership will allow both parties to share new and innovative ideas for growing grapes, designing mountain slope vineyards and creating fine wines. Her operation is also associated with the High Country Winegrower’s Association.

In addition to growing grapevines, Smith is also growing hops for making beer, which should please the large home brewer population in the area looking to get their hands on fresh ingredients instead of expensive, pre-packaged pellets. So far, Smith has planted cascade and nugget varietals and hopes to have a crop of Willamette this year.

While her operation isn’t certified organic, Smith’s operation uses virtually no pesticides.

For more info including vine prices and shipping costs, click to www.PlanetoftheGrapesNC.weebly.com or email Smith at PlanetofthegrapesNC@yahoo.com.