COMMERCIAL VINEYARD ESTABLISHMENT IN MARYLAND
II. WINERY REQUIREMENTS
IV. A VINEYARD CHRONOLOGY
V. SOURCES OF GRAPEVINES
Wine quality begins in the vineyard, and proper site selection is an important factor in realizing this goal. High quality fruit can be, and is being, produced in vineyards situated on less-than-ideal locations, but the prospective vineyardist will save himself a lot of work and avoid numerous problems by choosing a site with favorable topography, soil and temperature conditions. No one site is going to provide the perfect combination of elements, but the fewer compromises the better.
The most significant factor relating to site suitability is the likelihood of dangerously low winter and spring temperatures. Excessively low winter temperatures can result in trunk damage and bud kill, especially in the more sensitive varieties. Sustained temperatures below -5 F are risky for these varieties.
In general, areas given to early fall frosts, spring frosts, excessive and frequent temperature shifts and sustained low winter temperatures should be avoided.
The figure below shows locations in Maryland with particularly high incidences of low winter temperatures (-12 F).
The riskiest areas can be seen to include most of the northern portions of the state, especially in the western counties, with improving conditions toward Harford and Cecil Counties; and a ridge extending down through the center of the state, along the Carroll/Frederick, the Montgomery/Howard and the Prince Georges/Anne Arundel boarders. More moderate winter temperatures prevail along the Maryland/Delaware boarder and on either side of the Chesapeake Bay.
Topography plays a significant role in the quality and consistency of quality of wine grapes. In general, an elevation of 400 - 600 feet is best, with winter damage risk increasing with altitude (although by the same token the danger of early/late killing frosts decreases somewhat). Similarly, vineyards located on low pockets are vulnerable to frequent frosts. A gentle slope promotes good cold air drainage as long as there are no significant barriers to the flow. Steep slopes, however, pose problems for machinery and increase potential for erosion. A southern facing slope has the advantage of greater daily maximum temperatures and longer daily heating of fruit and vines. Fields which have been under crop cultivation in previous years offer the best potential for vineyard sites. Otherwise, the area should be cleared of large rocks, tree stumps, heavy brush, etc, then cultivated and planted in grass or grain for one or two years. Soil pH should be between 5.5 - 6.5, but can be adjusted by an application of lime (high pH soils are rare in Maryland).
Proximity to heavy woods can pose problems, as they harbor wildlife which feed on grapes or vine shoots -- deer and birds are the worst offenders. A number of measures are available for crop protection, none of them entirely satisfactory. Also, proximity to fields in which 2-4D is used as an herbicide is risky, as drift from this pesticide can be extremely injurious to grapevines.
Soil types and suitability range widely throughout the state. Fortunately, grapevines are tolerant of what might be considered risky areas for other crops. They are grown in soils ranging from heavy clay to sand to shale and rock. Ideally, the soil will be loamy (approx equal proportions of sand, silt and clay), deep (30 - 40 inches of permeability) and well-drained, with moderate fertility. Too much fertility can result in excessive vegetative growth, whereas mildly deficient soil can encourage the vines to extend their root systems to greater depths, often resulting in higher quality fruit.
Soils which tend to be waterlogged, shallow, primarily heavy clay, hardpan (impervious subsoils which limit root penetration) and excessively acidic should be avoided. Sandy soils provide good aeration but have poor water retention, whereas clay soils have good water retention and nutrient supplies but poor aeration.
Where feasible, deep tilling with a subsoiler to a depth of at least 2' prior to planting can be beneficial.
The primary nutrients for grapevines are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and to a lesser extent boron, calcium and magnesium. Soils severely deficient in any of these can be adjusted with applications of appropriate fertilizers.
Adequate precipitation has never been a serious problem in Maryland. Vine roots are capable of growing to considerable depths in search of water and nutrients. The only exception is newly-planted vines which may suffer in drought conditions and may need to be irrigated.
The following chart lists the counties with established vineyards and the approximate acreage in each, current and planned.
Current & Projected Acreage of Maryland Vineyards
Planned Acreage
Frederick 46.8 10.0
Harford 14.0 30.0
Carroll 8.5 2.0
St Marys 7.7 0 .5
Caroline 7.5 10.5
Montgomery 3.0 4.0
Somerset 1.5 4.5
Talbot 1.0 1.0
Howard 0.8
Kent 0.5
Prince Georges 0.3
Anne Arundel 0.3
The choice of a variety/varieties to plant depends on a number of factors, such as market demand and site suitability. There are two main classifications of wine grapes: vinifera -- the classic European varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, etc -- and hybrid -- crosses between vinifera and native American varieties, grown mostly in the eastern United States because they are more tolerant of difficult growing conditions. In general, hybrid vines offer the advantages of greater winter hardiness, ease of maintenance and higher yields. They are more forgiving of adverse conditions -- one is nearly always assured of an adequate crop -- and wine quality, when properly handled, can be quite good, especially among the white varieties, such as Seyval, Vidal and Vignoles.
The vinifera varieties range widely in terms of hardiness, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc usually exhibiting the fewest problems, and Chardonnay and Merlot the riskiest. Some popular varieties like Zinfandel and Pinot Noir perform poorly in this area.
It is generally agreed, however, that vinifera varieties at their best can produce quality wines competitive with those from Europe, the West Coast, etc. The fruit is also in much greater demand by local wineries and commands prices approximately double those of hybrids.
It should be noted that hybrids can be propagated from existing stock by simply rooting cuttings (derived from pruning), thus eliminating purchase costs, whereas vinifera varieties must be grafted onto rootstocks which are more tolerant of phylloxera, an insect which feeds of the roots of vinifera vines (this is true throughout most of the world). Choice of rootstocks is to some degree variety-dependent, and the prospective grower should consult qualified professionals once a grape variety has been selected.
Another factor is that yields from hybrids are often substantially higher than for viniferas. This, however, may be offset by increased cultivation and harvesting costs.
The safest recommendation in this sticky issue might be to start with one or two vinifera varieties along with one or more hybrid varieties to minimize the risk of total crop loss in a particularly severe year. For a more detailed discussion on this topic, visit our Winemaking section and read Varieties of Grapes for Maryland.
Most of the Maryland wineries grow some or all of their own grapes. A few of them use exclusively their own production, but most purchase grapes from independent growers. The quantity of winery-produced grapes remains fairly constant at this point, so expansion of their wine producing capacity depends upon increased availability from independent growers. Most wineries would like to expand, and the next few years may see additional wineries opening for business.
Over 300 tons of grapes are processed annually by Maryland wineries, of which roughly 30% are purchased. Based on current availability, the wineries who purchase grapes anticipate purchasing the same amount each year for the foreseeable future, but most would buy more if the right varieties were available.
The following is a list of winegrape varieties currently being used by Maryland wineries, followed by the approximate amount of each processed annually by the wineries (purchased both in and out of state), and the amount by which the wineries would like to increase production with these varieties.
Current & Projected Annual Production of Maryland Grapes
1999 Projected Production
Cabernet Sauvignon (V) 68 104
Vidal (H) 64 96
Seyval (H) 55 92
Chardonnay (V) 45 66
Riesling (V) 23 34
Chambourcin (H) 14 34
Chancellor (H) 14 28
Merlot (V) 10 23
Cabernet Franc (V) 8 14
Foch (V) 7 14
(V) = Vinifera           (H) = Hybrid
While demand for certain varieties may vary, it seems safe to predict that any significant deviation from the established pattern is unlikely in the forseeable future. Recently there has been a modest increase in demand for certain hybrids, such as Chambourcin and Seyval, perhaps to fill the market for lower-priced wines. Vinifera grapes bring the highest prices, but the resulting wines are more costly and therefore face stiffer competition on the market.
In general, wineries prefer purchases of a ton or more of any particular variety, harvested and delivered in standard harvesting lugs (capacity approx. 30 lbs. ea). Fruit is expected to be of good quality, free from disease. Most wineries are able to process the grapes upon arrival so that lugs may be returned immediately. Prices will vary, depending upon variety -- vinifera varieties currently bring $1200 - $1500 per ton, hybrids $500 - $700 per ton. Smaller quantities sold to amateur wine-makers are generally priced somewhat higher, and will vary depending on whether the fruit is sold already picked, pick-your-own, or already crushed. Harvest dates for this category are more flexible, and the buyer is usually expected to take delivery at the vineyard.
Presently, written contracts with wineries are not common. Wineries prefer to deal with growers on a long-term basis, with conditions agreed on at the outset.
Capital expenses (ie, machinery purchases) are given separately. Where possible, items in this category were purchased used. It is worth noting that some of these items (eg, tree planter, post hole augers, etc) could also be rented. Farm machinery maintenance costs are included, but not time (labor) of maintenance. Vines in most cases were viniferas, so initial purchase costs were roughly double that for hybrids (again, purchase costs can be reduced or eliminated by propagating them from existing vine cuttings).
Estimated Expenses for Year One
Site preparation (plow/disk, crop cover) $100
Vines $2,250
Planting (using tree planter*) $150
Trellis posts (200/acre) $900
Chemicals (herbicides, fungicides) $140
Site maintenance (labor - spraying, mowing) $50
Machinery (maintenance, repair, parts, fuel) $150
Vine training, maintenance (stakes, ties, shears, etc) $300
Vine training, maintenance (labor) $250
* A tree planter is a big time and money saver
Estimated Expenses for Year Two
Trellis wire (12.5g, 14g - 2 support, 4 catch) $400
Trellis staples, connectors, etc $50
Trellis (labor - drilling post holes, setting posts) $300
Trellis (labor - stringing wires) $200
Machinery (maintenance, repair, parts, fuel) $200
Machinery operation (labor - mowing, spraying) $50
Chemicals (fungicides, herbicides) $150
Vine maintenance (labor - pruning, tying, thinning) $250
Vine maintenance (materials - ties, connectors) $50
Estimated Expenses and Income for Year Three
Vine/trellis maintenance (materials) $50
Vine/trellis maintenance (labor) $700
Trellis (labor - stringing catch wires) $200
Machine maintenance $200
Machine operation (labor) $50
Chemicals $200
Harvest costs (labor - picking) $100
Harvest costs (delivery, food) $75
Harvest equipment (lugs - 400 used; platform scales, used) $265
Bird control (balloons, flash tape, etc) $75
Total Expenses $1,915
Harvest: 0.5 tons/acre @ $1,200/ton $600
Estimated Expenses and Income for Year Four
Harvest costs (labor - picking) $300
Harvest costs (delivery, food) $120
Harvest costs (materials - 400 additional lugs) $240
Bird control (noise machine, flash tape, etc) $100
Total Expenses $1,960
Harvest: 2.0 tons/acre @ $1,400/ton $2,800
Estimated Expenses and Income for Year Five
Chemicals $400
Harvest costs (labor - picking) $400
Harvest costs (delivery, food) $150
Bird control $25
Total Expenses $1,975
Harvest: 3.0 tons/acre @ $1,400/ton $4,200
*(Subsequent years are similar to Year Five)
Total expenses/acre over 7 years (years 5,6,7 similar) $15,970
Total income/acre over 7 years (years 5,6,7 similar) $16,000 IV. A VINEYARD CHRONOLOGY
The following is a scenario of what takes place in a Maryland vineyard during a typical year.
Pruning begins in large vineyards. Hybrid varieties can be pruned earlier, vinifera varieties should be allowed to harden off as long as possible.
Pruning continues. Pre-emergent herbicides, if used, applied.
Pruning completed. Cuttings collected and disposed of. Repairs to trellis made. New or replacement vines planted.
Buds for current crop begin to push. Maintenance on vineyard equipment (tractor, mower, sprayer, etc) performed.
Bud-break. Spraying for fungus diseases initiated.
Flowering begins. Shoots grow vigorously and are tied to trellis wires. Excess growth removed. Weeds sprayed or cultivated.
Growth continues at a rapid rate. Shoot thinning and hedging applied where necessary. Spraying with fungicides continues. Leaf pulling begun to prevent shading of grape clusters.
Grapes begin to take on color. Vine and grounds maintenance continue.
Bird control measures activated. Early grape varieties harvested.
Harvest continues. Post-harvest spray applied if needed.
Vine leaves drop, wood hardens, vine lapses into dormancy and pruning of hybrid vines begun after hard frost.
10275 Christy Road Fredonia, NY 14063 716-672-8493 Website
Mileblock Rd. North Collins, NY 14111 (716) 337-2485
University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616 (916) 752-3590
2399 Wheat Rd. Clifton Springs, NY 14432 (315) 462-3288
Herman Wiemer Vineyard Inc.
Rte. 14 PO Box 4 Dundee NY, 14837 (607) 243-7971
Sonoma Grapevines Inc.
1919 Dennis Lane Santa Rosa, CA 95403 (707) 542-5510
Vinifera Grapevine Nursery
8505 SW Creekside Place Beaverton, OR 97008 (800) 648-1681
39991 Kings River Drive Kingsburg, CA 93601 (800) 499-93631
McGrew, J. Growing Wine Grapes, $12.50
American Wine Society 3006 Latta Rd. Rochester, NY 14612 (716) 225-7613
Wolf, T. Guide To Commercial Vineyard Establishment, Bulletin 463-018, $2.00
VCES Distribution Center 112 Landsdown St. Blacksburg, VA 24064 (703) 382-5790
Wolf, T. Site Selection For Commercial Vineyards, Bulletin 463-016 (FREE)
VCES (See Above)
Wagner, P. Wine Growers Guide,
Weaver, R. Grape Growing (Currently Out Of Print)
Steiner, P. Maryland Commercial Small Fruit Production Guide Bulletin 242 (Updated Annually)
Morton, L. Winegrowing In Eastern America
Practical Winery & Vineyard (Bi-Monthly), $30.00
15 Grande Paseo San Rafael, CA 94903
Vineyard & Winery Management (Bi-Monthly), $25.00
PO Box 231 Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Wines & Vines (Monthly), $32.50
1800 Lincon Ave. San Rafael, CA 94901
Wine East (Bi-Monthly), $18.00
620 N. Pine Lancaster, PA 17603
Visit the Maryland Grape Growers Association Home Page
and the Maryland Wineries Association Home Page
COMMERCIAL VINEYARD ESTABLISHMENT IN MARYLAND
II. WINERY REQUIREMENTS
IV. A VINEYARD CHRONOLOGY
V. SOURCES OF GRAPEVINES
Wine quality begins in the vineyard, and proper site selection is an important factor in realizing this goal. High quality fruit can be, and is being, produced in vineyards situated on less-than-ideal locations, but the prospective vineyardist will save himself a lot of work and avoid numerous problems by choosing a site with favorable topography, soil and temperature conditions. No one site is going to provide the perfect combination of elements, but the fewer compromises the better.
The most significant factor relating to site suitability is the likelihood of dangerously low winter and spring temperatures. Excessively low winter temperatures can result in trunk damage and bud kill, especially in the more sensitive varieties. Sustained temperatures below -5 F are risky for these varieties.
In general, areas given to early fall frosts, spring frosts, excessive and frequent temperature shifts and sustained low winter temperatures should be avoided.
The figure below shows locations in Maryland with particularly high incidences of low winter temperatures (-12 F).
The riskiest areas can be seen to include most of the northern portions of the state, especially in the western counties, with improving conditions toward Harford and Cecil Counties; and a ridge extending down through the center of the state, along the Carroll/Frederick, the Montgomery/Howard and the Prince Georges/Anne Arundel boarders. More moderate winter temperatures prevail along the Maryland/Delaware boarder and on either side of the Chesapeake Bay.
Topography plays a significant role in the quality and consistency of quality of wine grapes. In general, an elevation of 400 - 600 feet is best, with winter damage risk increasing with altitude (although by the same token the danger of early/late killing frosts decreases somewhat). Similarly, vineyards located on low pockets are vulnerable to frequent frosts. A gentle slope promotes good cold air drainage as long as there are no significant barriers to the flow. Steep slopes, however, pose problems for machinery and increase potential for erosion. A southern facing slope has the advantage of greater daily maximum temperatures and longer daily heating of fruit and vines. Fields which have been under crop cultivation in previous years offer the best potential for vineyard sites. Otherwise, the area should be cleared of large rocks, tree stumps, heavy brush, etc, then cultivated and planted in grass or grain for one or two years. Soil pH should be between 5.5 - 6.5, but can be adjusted by an application of lime (high pH soils are rare in Maryland).
Proximity to heavy woods can pose problems, as they harbor wildlife which feed on grapes or vine shoots -- deer and birds are the worst offenders. A number of measures are available for crop protection, none of them entirely satisfactory. Also, proximity to fields in which 2-4D is used as an herbicide is risky, as drift from this pesticide can be extremely injurious to grapevines.
Soil types and suitability range widely throughout the state. Fortunately, grapevines are tolerant of what might be considered risky areas for other crops. They are grown in soils ranging from heavy clay to sand to shale and rock. Ideally, the soil will be loamy (approx equal proportions of sand, silt and clay), deep (30 - 40 inches of permeability) and well-drained, with moderate fertility. Too much fertility can result in excessive vegetative growth, whereas mildly deficient soil can encourage the vines to extend their root systems to greater depths, often resulting in higher quality fruit.
Soils which tend to be waterlogged, shallow, primarily heavy clay, hardpan (impervious subsoils which limit root penetration) and excessively acidic should be avoided. Sandy soils provide good aeration but have poor water retention, whereas clay soils have good water retention and nutrient supplies but poor aeration.
Where feasible, deep tilling with a subsoiler to a depth of at least 2' prior to planting can be beneficial.
The primary nutrients for grapevines are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and to a lesser extent boron, calcium and magnesium. Soils severely deficient in any of these can be adjusted with applications of appropriate fertilizers.
Adequate precipitation has never been a serious problem in Maryland. Vine roots are capable of growing to considerable depths in search of water and nutrients. The only exception is newly-planted vines which may suffer in drought conditions and may need to be irrigated.
The following chart lists the counties with established vineyards and the approximate acreage in each, current and planned.
Current & Projected Acreage of Maryland Vineyards
Planned Acreage
Frederick 46.8 10.0
Harford 14.0 30.0
Carroll 8.5 2.0
St Marys 7.7 0 .5
Caroline 7.5 10.5
Montgomery 3.0 4.0
Somerset 1.5 4.5
Talbot 1.0 1.0
Howard 0.8
Kent 0.5
Prince Georges 0.3
Anne Arundel 0.3
The choice of a variety/varieties to plant depends on a number of factors, such as market demand and site suitability. There are two main classifications of wine grapes: vinifera -- the classic European varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, etc -- and hybrid -- crosses between vinifera and native American varieties, grown mostly in the eastern United States because they are more tolerant of difficult growing conditions. In general, hybrid vines offer the advantages of greater winter hardiness, ease of maintenance and higher yields. They are more forgiving of adverse conditions -- one is nearly always assured of an adequate crop -- and wine quality, when properly handled, can be quite good, especially among the white varieties, such as Seyval, Vidal and Vignoles.
The vinifera varieties range widely in terms of hardiness, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc usually exhibiting the fewest problems, and Chardonnay and Merlot the riskiest. Some popular varieties like Zinfandel and Pinot Noir perform poorly in this area.
It is generally agreed, however, that vinifera varieties at their best can produce quality wines competitive with those from Europe, the West Coast, etc. The fruit is also in much greater demand by local wineries and commands prices approximately double those of hybrids.
It should be noted that hybrids can be propagated from existing stock by simply rooting cuttings (derived from pruning), thus eliminating purchase costs, whereas vinifera varieties must be grafted onto rootstocks which are more tolerant of phylloxera, an insect which feeds of the roots of vinifera vines (this is true throughout most of the world). Choice of rootstocks is to some degree variety-dependent, and the prospective grower should consult qualified professionals once a grape variety has been selected.
Another factor is that yields from hybrids are often substantially higher than for viniferas. This, however, may be offset by increased cultivation and harvesting costs.
The safest recommendation in this sticky issue might be to start with one or two vinifera varieties along with one or more hybrid varieties to minimize the risk of total crop loss in a particularly severe year. For a more detailed discussion on this topic, visit our Winemaking section and read Varieties of Grapes for Maryland.
Most of the Maryland wineries grow some or all of their own grapes. A few of them use exclusively their own production, but most purchase grapes from independent growers. The quantity of winery-produced grapes remains fairly constant at this point, so expansion of their wine producing capacity depends upon increased availability from independent growers. Mos
t wineries would like to expand, and the next few years may see additional wineries opening for business.
Over 300 tons of grapes are processed annually by Maryland wineries, of which roughly 30% are purchased. Based on current availability, the wineries who purchase grapes anticipate purchasing the same amount each year for the foreseeable future, but most would buy more if the right varieties were available.
The following is a list of winegrape varieties currently being used by Maryland wineries, followed by the approximate amount of each processed annually by the wineries (purchased both in and out of state), and the amount by which the wineries would like to increase production with these varieties.
Current & Projected Annual Production of Maryland Grapes
1999 Projected Production
Cabernet Sauvignon (V) 68 104
Vidal (H) 64 96
Seyval (H) 55 92
Chardonnay (V) 45 66
Riesling (V) 23 34
Chambourcin (H) 14 34
Chancellor (H) 14 28
Merlot (V) 10 23
Cabernet Franc (V) 8 14
Foch (V) 7 14
(V) = Vinifera           (H) = Hybrid
While demand for certain varieties may vary, it seems safe to predict that any significant deviation from the established pattern is unlikely in the forseeable future. Recently there has been a modest increase in demand for certain hybrids, such as Chambourcin and Seyval, perhaps to fill the market for lower-priced wines. Vinifera grapes bring the highest prices, but the resulting wines are more costly and therefore face stiffer competition on the market.
In general, wineries prefer purchases of a ton or more of any particular variety, harvested and delivered in standard harvesting lugs (capacity approx. 30 lbs. ea). Fruit is expected to be of good quality, free from disease. Most wineries are able to process the grapes upon arrival so that lugs may be returned immediately. Prices will vary, depending upon variety -- vinifera varieties currently bring $1200 - $1500 per ton, hybrids $500 - $700 per ton. Smaller quantities sold to amateur wine-makers are generally priced somewhat higher, and will vary depending on whether the fruit is sold already picked, pick-your-own, or already crushed. Harvest dates for this category are more flexible, and the buyer is usually expected to take delivery at the vineyard.
Presently, written contracts with wineries are not common. Wineries prefer to deal with growers on a long-term basis, with conditions agreed on at the outset.
Capital expenses (ie, machinery purchases) are given separately. Where possible, items in this category were purchased used. It is worth noting that some of these items (eg, tree planter, post hole augers, etc) could also be rented. Farm machinery maintenance costs are included, but not time (labor) of maintenance. Vines in most cases were viniferas, so initial purchase costs were roughly double that for hybrids (again, purchase costs can be reduced or eliminated by propagating them from existing vine cuttings).
Estimated Expenses for Year One
Site preparation (plow/disk, crop cover) $100
Vines $2,250
Planting (using tree planter*) $150
Trellis posts (200/acre) $900
Chemicals (herbicides, fungicides) $140
Site maintenance (labor - spraying, mowing) $50
Machinery (maintenance, repair, parts, fuel) $150
Vine training, maintenance (stakes, ties, shears, etc) $300
Vine training, maintenance (labor) $250
* A tree planter is a big time and money saver
Estimated Expenses for Year Two
Trellis wire (12.5g, 14g - 2 support, 4 catch) $400
Trellis staples, connectors, etc $50
Trellis (labor - drilling post holes, setting posts) $300
Trellis (labor - stringing wires) $200
Machinery (maintenance, repair, parts, fuel) $200
Machinery operation (labor - mowing, spraying) $50
Chemicals (fungicides, herbicides) $150
Vine maintenance (labor - pruning, tying, thinning) $250
Vine maintenance (materials - ties, connectors) $50
Estimated Expenses and Income for Year Three
Vine/trellis maintenance (materials) $50
Vine/trellis maintenance (labor) $700
Trellis (labor - stringing catch wires) $200
Machine maintenance $200
Machine operation (labor) $50
Chemicals $200
Harvest costs (labor - picking) $100
Harvest costs (delivery, food) $75
Harvest equipment (lugs - 400 used; platform scales, used) $265
Bird control (balloons, flash tape, etc) $75
Total Expenses $1,915
Harvest: 0.5 tons/acre @ $1,200/ton $600
Estimated Expenses and Income for Year Four
Harvest costs (labor - picking) $300
Harvest costs (delivery, food) $120
Harvest costs (materials - 400 additional lugs) $240
Bird control (noise machine, flash tape, etc) $100
Total Expenses $1,960
Harvest: 2.0 tons/acre @ $1,400/ton $2,800
Estimated Expenses and Income for Year Five
Chemicals $400
Harvest costs (labor - picking) $400
Harvest costs (delivery, food) $150
Bird control $25
Total Expenses $1,975
Harvest: 3.0 tons/acre @ $1,400/ton $4,200
*(Subsequent years are similar to Year Five)
Total expenses/acre over 7 years (years 5,6,7 similar) $15,970
Total income/acre over 7 years (years 5,6,7 similar) $16,000 IV. A VINEYARD CHRONOLOGY
The following is a scenario of what takes place in a Maryland vineyard during a typical year.
Pruning begins in large vineyards. Hybrid varieties can be pruned earlier, vinifera varieties should be allowed to harden off as long as possible.
Pruning continues. Pre-emergent herbicides, if used, applied.
Pruning completed. Cuttings collected and disposed of. Repairs to trellis made. New or replacement vines planted.
Buds for current crop begin to push. Maintenance on vineyard equipment (tractor, mower, sprayer, etc) performed.
Bud-break. Spraying for fungus diseases initiated.
Flowering begins. Shoots grow vigorously and are tied to trellis wires. Excess growth removed. Weeds sprayed or cultivated.
Growth continues at a rapid rate. Shoot thinning and hedging applied where necessary. Spraying with fungicides continues. Leaf pulling begun to prevent shading of grape clusters.
Grapes begin to take on color. Vine and grounds maintenance continue.
Bird control measures activated. Early grape varieties harvested.
Harvest continues. Post-harvest spray applied if needed.
Vine leaves drop, wood hardens, vine lapses into dormancy and pruning of hybrid vines begun after hard frost.
10275 Christy Road Fredonia, NY 14063 716-672-8493 Website
Mileblock Rd. North Collins, NY 14111 (716) 337-2485
University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616 (916) 752-3590
2399 Wheat Rd. Clifton Springs, NY 14432 (315) 462-3288
Herman Wiemer Vineyard Inc.
Rte. 14 PO Box 4 Dundee NY, 14837 (607) 243-7971
Sonoma Grapevines Inc.
1919 Dennis Lane Santa Rosa, CA 95403 (707) 542-5510
Vinifera Grapevine Nursery
8505 SW Creekside Place Beaverton, OR 97008 (800) 648-1681
39991 Kings River Drive Kingsburg, CA 93601 (800) 499-93631
McGrew, J. Growing Wine Grapes, $12.50
American Wine Society 3006 Latta Rd. Rochester, NY 14612 (716) 225-7613
Wolf, T. Guide To Commercial Vineyard Establishment, Bulletin 463-018, $2.00
VCES Distribution Center 112 Landsdown St. Blacksburg, VA 24064 (703) 382-5790
Wolf, T. Site Selection For Commercial Vineyards, Bulletin 463-016 (FREE)
VCES (See Above)
Wagner, P. Wine Growers Guide,
Weaver, R. Grape Growing (Currently Out Of Print)
Steiner, P. Maryland Commercial Small Fruit Production Guide Bulletin 242 (Updated Annually)
Morton, L. Winegrowing In Eastern America
Practical Winery & Vineyard (Bi-Monthly), $30.00
15 Grande Paseo San Rafael, CA 94903
Vineyard & Winery Management (Bi-Monthly), $25.00
PO Box 231 Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Wines & Vines (Monthly), $32.50
1800 Lincon Ave. San Rafael, CA 94901
Wine East (Bi-Monthly), $18.00
620 N. Pine Lancaster, PA 17603
Visit the Maryland Grape Growers Association Home Page
and the Maryland Wineries Association Home Page