Turning Your Land into a Vineyard
VineWorks has been planting vineyards in the UK for over 18 years, and our extensive experience and meticulous approach have made us market leaders in cool-climate vineyard establishment. We understand that for first timers, the process can seem daunting. That’s why we’ve created this straightforward guide to walk you through every step, turning your dream of owning a vineyard into a reality.
First Steps Towards Installing a Vineyard
The first step is to consult a viticulture expert and share the details of the land you believe is suitable for a vineyard. At VineWorks, we begin with preliminary assessments using topographical and mapping software, followed by an on-site visual inspection conducted by one of our experienced team members.
If the initial assessments are favourable, a comprehensive viticultural suitability report is produced, covering crucial factors like soil composition, aspect, and climate. This report should give you all the necessary information to make informed decisions. Whether you plan to focus on still or sparkling wines, or whether you aim to produce wine yourself or become a contract grower, it will serve as a valuable guide. It also provides recommendations on the most suitable grape varieties for your land to ensure successful ripening.
Designing your Vineyard
Once your land is deemed suitable, your viticulture consultant will help design and plan your vineyard.
Your consultant will guide you through the essential preparations, including working with an agronomist to analyse your soil data. This ensures that any necessary nutrient adjustments are made, planting densities are calculated, and the most effective trellising system is selected based on your goals.
Installing your Vineyard
To ensure the successful establishment of your vineyard, sourcing the right vines is critical. Your consultant will help secure certified vines from reputable European nurseries, ensuring compliance with UK regulations, including plant passports.
Precision is key when it comes to planting, which is why we suggest using a contractor who uses GPS-guided planting machines. This technology allows for exact placement of vines according to agreed specifications, ensuring uniform rows and maximising land use efficiency.
Ongoing Vineyard Maintenance
Once your vines are planted and the trellising is in place, you’ll need to consider the ongoing seasonal maintenance of your vineyard, including tasks like bud rubbing, pruning, and harvesting. Depending on your experience and capacity, you may choose to handle some or all this work yourself. Alternatively, you could opt to hire a viticulture company to assist with these tasks.
Conclusion
Establishing a vineyard is a long-term commitment that requires careful planning, expertise, and ongoing attention to detail. Choosing the right partner is crucial to ensuring the success of your vineyard. Understand if your consultant employs their own team to deliver the service, or plans to sub-contract the work out to other companies.
