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VINEYARD ESTABLISHMENT AND ADVICE

Wine Network Consulting can assist in the establishment or expansion of vineyards. Our service is based on expertise gathered from the latest industry research and development and our own practical experience. We have planned and project-managed a number of significant vineyard developments.

Typically we begin by giving clients advice on site selection to achieve their desired results. This would include an assessment of the preferred site’s climatic and topographic characteristics and a soil survey. We arrange physical and chemical soil analyses to confirm its suitability and to plan an irrigation and fertilisation regime.

The next stage involves the vineyard design with the layout of blocks, rows, headlands and other features set out to achieve optimum operational efficiency and economy. We prepare development budgets and timelines to match the client’s requirements and assist in the financial assessment of the project.

On agreement to proceed, we will propose a trellis design with specifications for suppliers and contractors. We will advise on the most appropriate variety / clone / rootstock selection and arrange the supply of quality planting material from reputable nurseries. Taking into account the requirements of the site, we advise on the best vineyard machinery options. As the project proceeds, we assist in the preparation of contract documentation and the selection of contractors. If required, we will act as project managers or assist in the recruiting of suitable staff to fill this role.

Once the vineyard is established, our aim is to help the grower and winemaker satisfy the need for producing grapes of the very highest quality at a price that allows both parties a satisfactory return. We believe this balanced approach is only possible with vines that are themselves in balance. This is our guiding philosophy of vineyard management. We work closely with the client or vineyard manager to develop and refine vineyard practices. We help with planning management programs that deal with the main areas of vineyard activity and assist the management to schedule these tasks so that they are carried out in a timely manner.

We assist in the establishment of protocols and procedures and the setting of fruit quality guidelines and specifications to meet the winemaker’s requirements for end-product use. In vineyard financing and acquisitions, we will provide a technical audit of existing operations and can assess vineyard condition and management as part of the due diligence process.

 

VINEYARD MANAGEMENT

The Wine Network Consulting team has a strong commitment to growing grapes for wine. Our aim is to help the grower and winemaker satisfy the need for producing grapes of the very highest quality at a price that allows both parties a satisfactory return. We believe this balanced approach is only possible with vines that are themselves in balance. This is our guiding philosophy of vineyard management.

We work closely with the client or vineyard manager to develop and refine vineyard practices. We help with planning management programs that deal with the main areas of vineyard activity and assist the management to schedule these tasks so that they are carried out in a timely manner:

  • Vine health – We use the principles and practices of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to guide our approach to pest and disease control. We aim to minimise the use of chemical sprays and to restrict these to the most environmentally responsible that are available.
    Canopy and crop load management – We strive for uniformity and vine balance, using the techniques of careful pruning, shoot positioning and thinning.
    Irrigation management – Our aim is to promote balanced vine growth and avoid stress while preserving precious water resources.
  • Vine nutrition – Maintaining healthy vines involves a suitable nutritional regime and this is part of our program.
    We assist in the establishment of protocols and procedures and the setting of fruit quality guidelines and specifications to meet the winemaker’s requirements for end-product use.

In vineyard financing and acquisitions, we will provide a technical audit of existing operations and can assess vineyard condition and management as part of the due diligence process. We give the vineyard manager or owner a set of independent eyes over their vineyard.