OVERVIEW OF WINERY/VINEYARD OPERATIONS

FARMING
The initial step in the making of wine is growing grapes. Specific varieties of grapes are used in making premium wines, but any grape with sugar content can be fermented. Successful wine grape farming is dependent upon proper soil and climatic conditions. These particular geographic regions (appellations) can be conducive to the quality of a particular varietal or to wine grapes in general.

The first step in the development of a vineyard is land clearing. This may be as simple as plowing under existing vegetation to removal of trees and leveling the dirt. Vineyards planted on hillsides must be terraced. Rocks may need to be removed. Typical water sources include wells, above ground storage (ponds), or some form of irrigation district supply. The water is then delivered through sprinkler or drip systems.

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