How to Start a Vineyard

Determine the right number of vines. You’ll need about twenty pounds of fruit to produce one gallon of wine. Each variety of grapes produces a different amount, but typically, vines average about five pounds of grapes each season. Depending on the reason for your vine growth, you can use these average numbers to decide how many vines you’ll need.

• 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]
• 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.

Lay out your vineyard. You’ll need to allow for at least 6 feet between vineyard rows and at least 3 feet between plants. Because vines are prone to mildew and fungal growth, it’s essential to allow for adequate space between plants so the leaves don’t shade the neighboring vines. In most areas, running the vineyard on a downhill, southern facing slope, is ideal. However, in climates that regularly achieve temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (30 Celsius) you may want to choose a northern facing slope to protect grapes from extreme heat.^[10]

• 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]

Order your grape vines. Nurseries order or grow vines for the next planting season, so you’ll need to place an order one year in advance. It’s essential to specify only one year old vines will be accepted. Some nurseries attempt to sell two year old vines that were not ready for sale in their first year, which may indicate the vine is unhealthy or will not produce adequately.

• 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]

Dig the holes. Once your vineyard is laid out, you’ll need to dig a hole for each vine. Using a posthole digger of six to eight inches in diameter, you’ll dig holes four to six inches deep. If the sides of the hole are “glazed,” compacted while digging leaving them with a smooth appearance, rough the sides of the hole with a spade or other tool to allow the roots to expand naturally.^[13]

Set up a trellis and training systems. Prior to planting, you should have your entire support system in place. Training systems are necessary to direct the growth of your starter vines, and the trellis system supports the weight of fully-grown vines. These systems are essential because the vine cannot support the full weight of the fruit it produces. Trellises can be a simple series of wires, decorative fencing, or more decorative options, depending on your needs.

• 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]

Plant your vines. Be prepared to place your grape vines in the spring time. Most vines do best when planted after the last freeze and when there is decreased chance for frost. Place each vine in the previously dug holes. Tie the vine to the training post to direct the growth toward the trellis.^[15]

Ward off pests. From the tiniest phylloxera insects that commonly infest grapevines to larger pests like rabbits, deer, gophers, and birds, vineyards are constantly under attack. There are a variety of natural and structural pest solutions as well as chemical pesticides available to help you control pest problems.

• 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.

Create a business plan. Before you undergo any large-scale business investment, you should have some idea how much capital you’ll need and when you will produce a profit. With vineyards, this is especially important because most vintners don’t see a profit for at least three years. Every crop is different, but you should plan to spend about $12,000 an acre for your first year of production. This is the start up year, and this cost includes all of your tools, equipment, pesticides, trellising, and the plants themselves. During the second year, this number decreases dramatically, typically costing between $1,200 and $1,500 an acre and even further in the third year and thereafter costing about $1,000 an acre.

• 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]

Have a plan to sell your product. Are you going to sell them as fruit, sell them to winemakers, or produce your own wine for sale? Whatever your plan to recoup your investment, make connections and strategize early. You can visit local retailers yourself or sell you wine to businesses that promote and sell these products.^[17]

Talk to local vineyard owners. Be frank, and don’t hesitate to ask for help with your business plan. Winemaking may be a competitive industry, but most vintners are happy to share their knowledge and experience with those who are interested in learning more about the industry. It never hurts to reach out and ask for help from the winemaking community in your area.

• 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]

Complete your regulatory forms. If you’re planning to sell wine, you’ll need to go through any licensing, sales regulations, and tax applications required by your local regulatory agency. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau handles these regulations in the US. The Canadian Association of Liquor Jurisdiction and the Business and Enterprise Department of Alcohol Licensing determine regulations in Canada and the UK respectively.

• 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.