Go Nuts with Grapes

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A matter of time

It takes up to three years for newly planted grape vines to produce their first crop. Even then, in most cases year three’s production will be light. If you follow recommended pruning strategies, keep on top of any fungal disease (such as black rot, downy mildew and powdery mildew) and animal pests, your vineyard will soon hit its prime and deliver a broad bounty well into the future.

Tim Nephew is a freelance writer living in northwestern Minnesota where he and his wife manage their 80 acres of wildlife habitat, with a few acres set aside for growing grapes.

Vineyard Economics

Whether you plan to have 10 grapevines in your backyard or thousands on five acres nestled in the back 40, your financial investment will be significant. Here are some rough estimates of upfront costs for one acre of grapes. Remember, once you have made the initial investment, your vineyard will continue to produce for decades.

Vines: About 500 @ $2.75 per vine $1,375
Trellis Materials (wire and posts), Soil Preparation: $6,000
Total Cost: $7,375*
* Actual start-up costs will vary based on local material costs.

In Minnesota, your vineyard can produce up to four tons of grapes per acre by its fourth or fifth year. Selling your bounty at an average price of 70 cents per pound will yield a gross return of up to $2,800 per acre.

Resources

United States Department of Agriculture: www.USDA.gov
University of Minnesota Grape Program: www.Grapes.UMN.edu
Minnesota Grape Growers Association: www.MNGrapes.org
Missouri Grape Growers Association: www.MissouriGrapeGrowers.org
Iowa Grape Growers: www.IowaWineGrowers.org

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