Visit or contact a local vineyard, and ask to spend time working the vineyard with them. This on the job training is one of the best ways to learn the ins and outs of successful grape growing specific to the area you want to grow in. [1] X Research source
In the U. S. , you can work directly with the United States Department of Agriculture or the National Institute of Food and Agriculture extension found here https://nifa. usda. gov/extension. In Canada, you can work with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at http://www. agr. gc. ca/eng/home/?id=1395690825741. In the UK, contact the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board here http://www. ahdb. org. uk/. Universities and colleges that offer programs in agriculture or horticulture are also great resources to find out more about climate.
The Vitis International Variety Catalogue provides a searchable database of international grape varieties here http://www. vivc. de/index. php. These listings also provide information on the number of necessary growing days, ideal temperatures, and planting regions. [5] X Research source file:///C:/Users/Marissa/Downloads/em8973-e-1. pdf
Grape plants do well on slopes because they help to properly drain the soil. Excessive moisture can lead to mildew, fungus, and rot that vines are prone to. If you are starting a vineyard on a slope, keep in mind that southern facing slopes extend the growing season while those facing north shorten it because there is less sun exposure, Sep on which hemisphere you live in. Where you place the grapes will impact the flavor of the wine. Soil content, weather conditions, and temperature change the flavor of grapes. This will make the flavor of wine from such grapes vary as well. [7] X Research source
The Alcohol and tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau provides a listing of American Viticulture Areas that help vintners select sites for their wine growth based on flavors and reputation associated with specific growing regions. You can access this list here https://www. ttb. gov/wine/us_by_ava. shtml.
Always plant a few additional vines to ensure you produce the desired amount. An extra vine for every ten gallons of wine is typically adequate. [9] X Research source Use the equation 5X/20 = desired gallons of wine. “X” represents the number of vines you will need to plant to achieve a specific number of gallons of wine. For example, 5X/20 = 100 gallons, so you’ll need 400 vines to produce 100 gallons of wine.
Check with local land ordinance offices to make sure there are no regulations on land clearing before you get started. Many cities now require a specific number of trees per lot and other regulations. There are usually compromises like replacing trees that are cleared, but it’s best to know and plan for these situations in advance. [11] X Research source
Make sure the nursery you buy from provides certification for its plants and guarantees them against viruses and diseases for at least three years. Inspect each vine before accepting the delivery. Look for signs of root or vine damage like breaks or circled roots. Count the vines to ensure you’ve received the correct number. [12] X Research source
Fencing companies typically offer trellising services at minimal costs, and they have the experience to design and place a system that will support your vines. Consult with a landscaper or nursery specialist if you would like to build your own trellis system. In nature, grape vines grow on the sides of houses, along fence lines, and over other structures, so decorative trellises can be crafted from just about anything. Make sure your trellis system does not block sunlight from the vines. [14] X Research source
Consult with local winegrowers and your nursery to select pesticides that will discourage infestations without harming your grapes or wine. It’s important to ask for expert help to avoid damaging your crop. Fence in your vines to discourage deer, raccoons, and other larger scavengers. Use netting to deter birds from eating grapes. Fill in rabbit and gopher holes with broken wine bottle shards to discourage these pests from digging near your vines.
Have a plan to finance these first years and set aside more money than you need. You are more likely to suffer set backs and concerns in the first few years that will require additional funding. [16] X Research source
You can start by searching for local wineries and winemaker clubs or associations. Contact these organizations via email or phone and ask, if they’d be willing to talk to you about the process of growing grapes for wine. You can start with something simple like, “I’m considering starting my own vineyard, and I wondered if you’d be willing to share some of your experiences with me. ” If you find a vineyard or vintner you admire, ask, “Would you be willing to let me work with you during harvest and wine production?” This hands on experience is often more informative than all your research and interviews combined. [18] X Research source
Ask other local wine producers about the process in your area. They are your best resource because they’ve been through it all before. Conduct an online search for regulations in your state and country. Read about liquor licensing to find out the specific steps to obtaining the licensing necessary to sell wine.
Invite local retailers to visit your vineyard for a tour before the wine is ready for sale. Take them through your process. This build interest in your product. Then, invite them back for a tasting once the wine is available. If you have a parcel of land within a specific American Viticulture Area, you can use this as a sales tool and resource, since each AVA has its own unique flavor attributes. This information is available through local Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade representatives. [19] X Research source Offer local retailers one or more cases of wine from your first crop at a reduced cost to encourage purchase and sales. Provide free tasting in retailer locations to encourage them to keep your wine on the shelf, once they’ve sold out of the original stock.
