Choosing a Vineyard

If you want to buy a vineyard and don't have a lot of experience working a farm or growing grapes, you'll probably want to see if you can spend some time working the vineyard you're thinking about (if it's currently established) so you can see what it's really like to own a vineyard. The current owner might be willing to let you shadow him or her for a few days so you can get a taste for what the life of grapes is like. Just like you wouldn't open any other business with no experience, you shouldn't think you can go into winemaking or vineyard management without trying it out first. Of course, if you're buying an established vineyard the management system might already be in place where people know what they need to do without much guidance from you, but you'll still want to be aware of what's going on and what needs to be done at each stage of the season and with promotion, shipping, customer service and all the other things that go into running a winery or vineyard. You'll probably want to have the property of any vineyards for sale that you are interested in looked over by a viniculture expert (assuming you are not one) so that you know what to expect and if there are any problems with the property. Like any other real estate transaction, bank loans, lawyers and appraisers may all be involved. Some things you should know before you choose a winery include: What kind of grapes are planted and how much of each variety? What water sources are available? Has a survey been completed? Is there a soil analysis? How old are the grape vines? How much do they produce in an average year? Who buys the grapes and for how much? Are...

Types of Wine

Generally speaking, the types of wine that go well with seafood, chicken, turkey, Chinese food and sometimes pork, are white wines. Red wines go well with red meats such as beef, roasts and filets, lamb, duck, veal, pastas and sausages. However, this rule is not absolute. Some types of wine might go very well with red meat, even though they are white wines. Conversely, a particular red wine could be the perfect compliment to your seafood cuisine. Generalizations are simply guidelines developed by professionals within the wine community. Feel free to experiment with different types of wine and food combinations. Various types of wine are made and imported from all over the world. To list them all would be an all-consuming task. However, a look at a smaller sample within the United States might be helpful. In particular, California wines have become widely known due to the state's perfect conditions for growing and harvesting wine grapes. Of the many types of wine that California produces, you'll find chardonnay, french colombard, gewurztraminer, johannisberg riesling, and sauvignon blanc among the whites. White wines range in style from bone dry to sweet and are usually not aged in wood barrels to preserve freshness and taste. At the other end of the spectrum are red wines. Of these types of wine, California produces cabernet sauvignon,merlot, petite sirah,pinot noir, zinfadel and blush wines. These wines tend to be more dry and are slightly more acidic. Red wines are commonly aged in wood for a complex, deep flavor; or are produced with a light, fruity flavor. Pure grape juice being naturally clear, red wines gain their color from the skin of the grapes. Whether red or white, there are plenty of flavorful types of wine to satisfy the desire of any palette. Try not to limit yourself to just...

Buyers Check List
Before you buy a Vineyard or Winery
What questions should you ask the seller or the agent representing the owner?

Here's a checklist:
Is there a survey of the property?   
•    Is there a soils report?
•    What are the sources of water? i.e., wells, springs, reservoirs?
•    Is there a well drillers report? (to establish gpm)
•    Is there a water analysis to test for bacteria, chemicals, or minerals?
•    If there is a reservoir, how many acre feet is it? What is the source that feeds it? Is it filled year round by a spring or is it seasonal?
•    How is the vineyard irrigated, if at all?
•    Does the owner have a vineyard layout or a plot plan showing:
o    a) the varietals of grapes by block; 
o    b) the age of the vines;
o     c) the root stock that each variety is planted on;
o    d) number of vines in each varietal;
o    e) production per acre of each varietal; 
o    f) who buys the grapes and for how much;
o    g) is there frost control and what type is it?
o    h) are there any known diseases in the vineyard?
o    i) what equipment is included in the sale;
o    j) is there a contract for the grapes?
There are excellent vineyard managers and viticulturists in almost every wine growing appellation that will be happy to work with you to thoroughly investigate your potential vineyard acquisition for a minimal fee. I strongly recommend that all potential vineyard acquisitions be investigated by a professional before closing escrow. Our firm works with most of them and will be happy to refer them to you. Feel free to call any time. Happy hunting.