Opening a new vineyard

[Captain Absolut]

I was wondering how much capital would be needed to open a small vineyard that in turn would turn a small profit? How much land would be needed? How many people would I need to hire? Plus where can a grow, or experiment, or purchase a good starting vine to use as my crop? Yes, I do have a passion for wine, so I'm not just trying to be an business man here.

[glenora]

Captain--

You ask lots of questions, with many options for the "correct" answer, which is what I suspect is the reason for a lack of a response to your questions.

Having planted many acres myself I suggest that you purchase a copy of "Winemaking -- From Grape Growing to the Marketplace written by Richard Vine, Ellen Harkness, Theresa Browing, and Cheri Wagner. It is published by Chapman & Hall. The a couple of chapters in the book provide a great template for determining the cost of establishing a vineyard, grape varieties, etc. It will provide some basic information in helping answer many of the questions that you raise.

Another avenue would be to talk with growers in the area in which you are considering planting--farmers love to talk, and they have been there!!


Good Luck!!

[Captain Absolut]

Thank you. I'll look into that book. Great advice!