Starting a vineyard is a multi-year process, and a lot of money goes out the door before any money from selling your grapes, or making wine for sale, comes in. As a result, carefully review the resources we’re providing, ask the experts for help, and learn as much as you can before you get started!
First: head over to the University of Maryland Extension Grapes & Fruit Website. We’re fortunate to have a state viticulturist, Dr. Joe Fiola, who provides a wealth of information. Some of the important sections for your consideration include:
In Maryland we are also fortunate to have a Grape Growers Association; their site offers helpful resources, and regularly scheduled field days.
Commercial Vineyard Expansion
We teamed up with Rigby Viniculture to develop a multi-presentation online workshop for the startup and expansion of a commercial vineyard. With an eye on profit, the program leads you through every aspect of developing a commercial vineyard, from site and variety selection, equipment, vineyard management and the ultimate sale of your grapes. Learn more, and register, for this Commercial Vineyard Expansion Course.
Other state research organizations also offer relevant information for Maryland grape growers:
- Cornell Extension Grape & Wine Resources
- Penn State Extension
- Virginia Tech Viticulture Research & Extension
One of the keys to a successful vineyard is understanding the cost. These budget templates can be helpful to determining how much a vineyard will cost, and as a result, how to value your harvest.
- Cornell Extension Cost of Establishment and Production of Vitis Vinifera Grapes in the Finger Lakes Region of NY (2013)
- Penn State Extension Wine Grape Production (with Budget)
- UC Davis Sample Costs to Establish a Vineyard and Produce Winegrapes (2019)
- Washington State Northwest Grapes Cost of Production Calculators and AgProfit
