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:
![grapes and fruit](https://marylandwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/GrapesFruit-1024x527.png)
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.
![example image](https://marylandwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/CVE-Course.png)
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