High Tunnel Grape Production

A long high tunnel with rows of grapes on a trellis inside of the tunnel, the sides of the tunnel are down with the plastic on the roof

Since 2015, University of Arkansas Horticulture professor Dr. Elena Garcia and her research team have been investigating the productivity, efficiency, and economic feasibility of using high tunnel technology in grape production. Research results are promising, with significant yield increases and a reduction in disease pressure. High tunnels may allow for the expansion of grape production in areas with marginal climates such as the Southeastern United States.

The following are publications and additional resources developed by associates from the National Center for Appropriate Technology, the University of Arkansas, and the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.

Photo of bareground underneath the skeleton of a high tunnel, consisting of the metal frame but without the plastic.

Planting and Establishment

High Tunnel Grapes: Planting (video)- Produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology

High Tunnel Grapes: Establishment- By Luke Freeman, NCAT Agriculture Specialist, Dr. Elena Garcia, University of Arkansas, and Dr. Amanda McWhirt, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service
High Tunnel Tree Fruit and Grape Production for Eastern Growers- Guy K. Ames, NCAT Horticulture Specialist

Photo of grape trellses established inside of the metal framework of a high tunnel

Pruning, Trellising, and Training

High Tunnel Grapes: Pruning, Trellising, and Training- By Luke Freeman, NCAT Agriculture Specialist, Dr. Elena Garcia, University of Arkansas, and Dr. Amanda McWhirt, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

High Tunnel Grapes- Winter Pruning (video)- Produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology

High Tunnel Grapes- Cluster Thinning (video)- Produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology
High Tunnel Grapes- Trellising & Training (video)- Produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology

Close up of young grape leves with browning on the tips, an indicator of frost damage

Management and Harvest

High Tunnel Grapes: Temperature and Soil Management- By Luke Freeman, NCAT Agriculture Specialist, Dr. Elena Garcia, University of Arkansas, and Dr. Amanda McWhirt, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

High Tunnel Grapes- Harvest Considerations (video)- Produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology

High Tunnel Grapes- Grower Interview with Rex Barnhill (video)- Produced by the National Center for Appropriate Technology

The High Tunnel Grape Project is funded by Southern SARE and led by the University of Arkansas in collaboration with Cooperative Extension, the National Center for Appropriate Technology, and the Arkansas Association of Grape Growers.