How to Develop a Vineyard
Attention retirees and young entrepreneurs: the economy is becoming more complicated each day. Jobs are scarce everywhere you look. More and more people are opting to leave the workforce and start their own business. An excellent business idea is developing a vineyard. Whether it is a small family venture or a hope for becoming a multi-million dollar winery, a vineyard can be a great source of income for anyone.
1. Decide what kind of vineyard it is going to be. Is this going to be a vineyard exclusively for winemaking, or will it be cultivated for juices, jellies and table grapes? All grapes aren't equal in function, and you need to decide on what type of products your vineyard will produce so you know what types of vines to buy.
2. Make sure the land is fit to be used for a vineyard. Do you have at least 2.5 acres of land? How is the climate, and does frost happen annually? Does the soil drain well, and is there enough water to irrigate the vineyard? Sometimes a well needs to be dug for adequate watering and that can cost.
3. Find out your area's particular Grape Growing Days, or GGD. GGD determines your climate's best times of the year to grow your specific grapes for certain wines. For example, people who live in cooler climates would be advised to grow grapes to make wines like Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat or Chardonnay. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier are made by grapes that grow in warm climates.
4. Space your vineyard. Vineyards aren't just pretty maze-like areas to serve as agricultural eye candy, trellises are used to help space the grapes for adequate growth. It takes approximately 20 lbs. of grapes to make a gallon of wine. Be careful not to space the vines too close together; if not careful, grapes harvested too soon, too late or damaged in any kind of way can have an adverse effect on how the final product tastes, which means wasted time and money.
5. Dig deep. Vines grow, so when digging the earth to plant vines, dig roughly around 3 feet deep. Plant rye or clover over the top to help add nitrogen to the soil. This will help during the brutal winter months.
6. Reach out to others for help. Call local nurseries, wineries and wine festivals and ask for advice. Volunteer at the same places and get as much information as you can. Think about everything that you have read here and have learned from established businesses. Definitely contact other private vineyard owners and don't be shy about asking questions. There isn't any reason why your vineyard cannot become a successful business if the principles of other successful vineyards are applied.