Vineyard Development
We offer vineyard development services. After planting hundreds of vineyards our team can help you with every aspect of vineyard development. Below are some of the factors involved in planning a profitable, successful vineyard. Please contact us today for a consultation regarding your vineyard project.
Site Topography
• Determine layout of blocks based on soil types, slope and topography
• Determine plantable acreage, size of blocks, clone and rootstock selections
• Determine type and amount of trellis materials needed
• Placement of infrastructure such as roads, reservoirs, wells, buildings, loading zones etc.
Plant Materials
• Select type of plant materials (varieties, clones and rootstocks)
• Match clones/rootstocks to specific blocks
• Determine the number of vines needed
• Source plant materials from nurseries
Soil Characteristics
• Find the county soil survey for the site
• Have soil mapping done by soil scientist
• Have a soil test done for basic nutrient analysis
• Develop plan for soil preparation and amendments (disking, ripping, amendment additions etc.)
• Check for pests such as nematodes
Weather and Climate Information
• Locate and study the local weather station data
• Compare how this data differs from the site
• Install weather stations or other weather collecting devices to monitor the site
• Determine the weather conditions of the area
• Compare the macro-climate to other grape growing regions worldwide (Growing Degree Days GDD)
• Talk to nearby growers to determine more specific weather related factors
Irrigation assessment
• Availability of irrigation water (creeks, rivers, ponds, wells, etc.) and
• Irrigation needs for a vineyard based on proposed acreage and growing region
• Investigate water rights/limitations
Other factors
• Assess nearby vineyards and or location relative to markets
• Assess potential varieties that could perform well at the site
• Investigate zoning restrictions that may pertain to the site
• Potential for herbicide drift or specific pest or diseases problems
• Other advantages and disadvantages of the site
