Got Grapes?? How to Start a Vineyard

1. Determine your motivation for starting a vineyard.

Will it be a hobby? Do you plan to sell your grapes? Or will you be making wine from the grapes you produce? If so, do you plan to market the wine you make? Your goals will determine how big or small you want your grape vineyard to be.  This is a fundamental aspect of starting a vineyard, because if you don't know how to grow grapes and keep the vines healthy, you may not achieve success. Grapes have certain needs for best results, including specific climate, temperature, moisture soil and planting conditions.

2. Learn about the process of growing grapes and maintaining vines when you begin to study how to start a vineyard.

3.Study the climate of the area where you plan to start a vineyard to be sure that grapes will successfully grow there. As a rule, grapes thrive in areas with warm summers, short, mild winters and few chances for frost. Grape vines also do best with plenty of well-drained moisture and direct sunlight.  Keep in mind that grape plants do well on slopes because it helps to properly drain the soil. They also do best with full sun and little or no shade.

4. Choose the area where you will be planting a vineyard.

5.  Prepare the soil by making sure it isn't too acidic, rich or basic, and that the pH is between 5.5 and 6.8.  Consider consulting a professional to be sure your soil conditions are right for the best grape growing results.

6.  Lay out your vineyard in rows with enough room between each to work.

7.  Set up trellises in your grape vineyard prior to planting.

8.  Plant your grape plants in spring after the chance of frost has passed.

9.  Train your grape vines to go up the trellises by gently twining the young vines around the poles.

10. Monitor your vineyard throughout the year to see how well your grape plants are doing, and to ward of any potential problems from insects or animals.  Keep in mind that animals such as deer, rabbits, rodents and raccoons can damage or even destroy grape vines. Consult with a wildlife control office in your area if you have concerns.

Remember that depending on factors such as soil content and weather conditions, the flavor of grapes will vary. As a result, this will make the flavor of wine made from such grapes vary as well.

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.

Before starting a vineyard, be sure to understand the conditions and climate in your region and if it is suitable for growing grapes. Keep in mind that grapes grow best when temperatures at night don't go below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 Celsius) and 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 Celsius) during the day.

Don't attempt to start a grape vineyard if you don't have plenty of time and money. This is a time-consuming and expensive project.

Don't get discouraged if your vines don't produce grapes the first year. Some vineyards take several years to produce a good crop of grapes.

Don't allow the soil in your grape vineyard to get waterlogged. Be sure to have proper drainage because too much water will damage the grape production of the vines.