Here’s the Thing Vineyards

So, here’s the thing…

We have just over 11 acres of property at this site and we refer to it as a farm because the primary purpose of this property is to grow things – grapes. 

When we bought the property, approximately 10.5 acres were planted and we promptly pulled out a half acre in order to build our buildings.  This was an easy decision for us because we needed our buildings to fulfill our plan and we chose to take plants out on the lowest point of our property – a “frost pocket” where it is difficult for plants to grow because of the cold air that pools there. 

After we started building, we were left with about 3.5 acres each of Cabernet Franc and Syrah and 1 acre each of Gamay Noir, Roussanne and Viognier.  Since then, we have made further changes – taking out a bit of Cab Franc and Roussanne to plant more Viognier and taking out a bit of Syrah and Gamay to plant Merlot.  These are more difficult decisions because it is heart wrenching to pull out perfectly healthy plants and because when you do pull them out, you don’t get another crop for three years so making changes like this have a financial impact as well. 

We are happy with the mix now and have vowed not to make any more changes but what’s that old saying? “Never say never” has arrived. We have pulled out some Syrah and are planting Pinot Gris and the changes may not stop there. Stay tuned.