Learning how to start a vineyard is the dream of all those who love grape cultivation. Others instead have the desire to produce their own wine in order to have control of the entire process up to bottling and aging. Follow the guidelines in this article to learn how to start growing grapes, whether you are doing it as a new hobby or because you want to start a business. Your efforts will be rewarded.
Steps
Step 1. Analyze the reason that pushes you to start a vineyard
- Is it a hobby? Do you want to see the grapes? Or do you want to make some wine? In this case, in which market do you plan to offer it? Your goals will determine the size of the vineyard.
- This is a crucial aspect when planning your plantation, because if you don't know how to grow grapes and how to keep the vines healthy, you won't be able to be successful. Vines need certain care to develop well and to give you a successful production. You need to consider factors such as climate, temperature, soil moisture and vineyard conditions.
Step 2. Learn everything there is to know about the grape growing and wine keeping process when studying how to start a vineyard
Step 3. Check the climate of your chosen area and make sure it is favorable for your project
- As a general rule, remember that vines grow well in places where summer is hot and winters are short and mild with little chance of frost.
- Grapes need a lot of moist but well-draining soil and direct sunlight.
- Keep in mind that these plants grow well on slopes because the water flows better, they need full light and very little shade.
Step 4. Choose the area where you want to plant the vine
Step 5. Prepare the soil making sure it is not too acidic or basic
The pH should be between 6 and 6.5.
Consider hiring a professional for advice to make sure the soil conditions are favorable
Step 6. Arrange the vines in rows with enough space between one plant and another so that you can work around them
Step 7. Install pergolas to support the vines before planting them
Step 8. Ground in spring when there is no more risk of frost
Step 9. "Educate" each vine to cling to the pergola by gently tying it, when young, around the pole
Step 10. Check the vineyard all year round to see if the plants are growing well and address any insect and animal problems promptly
Advice
- Remember that according to the minerals contained in the soil and the climatic conditions, the taste of grapes changes. Consequently, the taste of the wine will also change.
- If you want to grow your vineyard on a slope, remember that those facing south offer a longer growing season than those facing north.
- Animals like deer, rabbits, rodents and raccoons ruin and destroy vineyards. Consult with the game warden's office in the area if you have any problems.
- Before starting a vineyard, make sure you are familiar with the climatic conditions in your region to understand if they are suitable for your project. The vines grow best when temperatures never drop below 16 ° C at night and never below 21 ° C during the day.
Warnings
- Don't venture into this cultivation if you don't have the time and money to dedicate to it. This is a project that is not cheap and time-consuming at all.
- Don't be discouraged if the vineyard doesn't produce grapes the first year. Some plants take several years to yield a good harvest.
- Do not allow the soil to become saturated with water. Always make sure there is good drainage otherwise the grape production will be damaged.
