Owning a winery or vineyard is the fever dream of many wine connoisseurs. Wine has always been a symbol of affluence and the quintessential ‘good life’. Someone who enjoys the very best wines may want to try making their own. In recent years, many entrepreneurs, music, or sports stars have taken the leap and started their own wine brand, so it is very much possible. But there are some very important things to take into consideration, and this article will cover some of them.
Geographic Considerations
More than just the obvious question of ‘where?’ There are a lot of things to consider in the location to establish a vineyard. The type of soil available will also affect the wine that will be the final product
You must take into account the kind of land to use, and in the context of a winery, there are some specific conditions that must be met. For example, the region surrounding Bordeaux is widely considered to contain the Best vineyards in France. This is because it is warm and temperate, in close proximity to the seaside and cool oceanic winds, mild winter, and very fertile soil. These conditions make it a perfect wine country.
Vineyards need good irrigation, so a good water source is important. The size of the vineyard is determined by its purpose. If you want a vineyard for only personal use, then the entire operation and its requirements will be drastically different from a vineyard intended for commercial applications.
The Question of What Grapes to Grow
The type of wine you want very much dictates the type of grapes you will grow because different grapes will result in different wines. There are some ten thousand different types of wine grapes, and as has been mentioned before, different grapes grow better in different soils. Some grapes are more flavorful than others, and some are more aromatic. There is also of course the question of white versus red wine grapes.
The Question of Finances
There are many monetary commitments involved in establishing a vineyard. The real estate investments that you will make, equipment for farming and processing produce, building the winery facilities, any labor that will be needed, and many details that can add up to some big figures.
The size of your portfolio should be a serious influence on the size of the investment you want to make into establishing a vineyard. There are fine margins between any investment made becoming gains or losses.
If it is possible, you can check out any potential locations in person for their viability. As with any business endeavor, there are experts that can help you to ascertain the feasibility of all the variables. The soil components, logistics, construction, the financial and economic aspects, and all the different aspects of establishing a business venture must all be taken into account.
There is a lot to think about and plan, but the rewards will be immense, especially to someone who is passionate about wines.