Just Getting Started in So.Cal.

[ShadowVines01]

Hi there! I have recently purchased a 1/2 acre property in Shadow Hills (Burbank foothills), with a very small house, a very large tree, and over 1/4 acre of flat, weed-filled land. When I purchased the property I had my dream of a home vineyard in mind and the property suited it perfectly! Being a full-blooded Italian and growing up with homemade wine, I always knew what I wanted to do ... when the time was right. So now I am ready to begin the process of planting a vineyard but I don't know where to start. I'm not afraid of the work, and the land, soil and weather are all perfect for a home vineyard ... now all the owner needs is knowledge! Where do I start? I have researched on the internet, read books, called growers, visited local vineyards but now that I am ready to actually do something, I'm scared to make the wrong choices and it seems the more one reads, the more confused one gets. I know there will be a natural learning curve but I would like to minimize any losses with as much knowledge as possible. I also want to purchase a small tractor/tiller because I am a 56 year old woman tackling this project alone while also handling a career so I do believe the advice to buy the right equipment to make the job/maintenance easier makes sense. Does anyone have any suggestions for proper equipment to purchase? Help - please! Thank you!

 

[ibglowin]

First off, welcome to Winemaking Talk! I will be following your progress as our daughter and new SIL just bought their first place in Burbank (E Valencia) and they want us to retire some day to the area (at least part time) LOL. Remember, this is not rocket science, its farming! So look around and see what others are growing in your area, grow what you like to drink is always a good rule of thumb. Plan for a drip irrigation system for sure. It sounds like to have done a lot of upfront work! Were you thinking of starting this Spring? You need to decide varietals, spacing, row orientation, etc. Have you done a soil analysis yet? Always a good idea to check pH levels as well as available nutrients. If you haven't already, pick up a copy of From Vines to Wines: The Complete Guide to Growing Grapes and Making Your Own Wine by Jeff Cox from Amazon. Its a good starting off book with lots of easy to understand points.

 

[BobR]

Being a full-blooded Italian and growing up with homemade wine, I always knew what I wanted to do ... when the time was right.

Buon giorno ShadowVines01,

I agree with Mike that the book From Vines to Wine is a good book to read. And yes, the more you read and ask around, the more confused you will become. Getting grape growing information is like the old saying about opinions......they are like a certain body part....everyone has one.

Ciao,

Bob

 

[Kraffty]

Welcome ShadowVines, Finally another so cal member! It seems the majority of people here are in the midwest and east (but don't hold it against them). There are a ton of very knowledgeable and generous people here willing to share very specific or very general info depending on your requests. I'm sure you will enjoy. We're probably 25 min's east of you in Covina.
Jump in!
Mike

 

[FatPete]

Welcome ShadowVines!

 

[winemaker_3352]

Welcome aboard!!!

 

[ShadowVines01]

Thank you all for welcoming me. Sorry for the delayed response but I've followed your posts on my i-phone so keep the good info coming! After a quick visit to Amazon.com, the book arrived today and I can't wait to dig in. I have tilled the area again, removed another thousand weeds and the gophers are loving the clean, beautiful dirt. (The gopher smokers will be coming this weekend ... watch out little guys!)

After removing various old junk items and rickety old fences from the days the property had horses and goats, my vineyard will be 75 x 145 ... a small but decent chunk of land to grow a few grapes

Next comes two truckloads of topsoil, soil testing and irrigation ... I am afraid my brain was more ambitious than my 56 year old back, so I doubt I will be planting this Spring. I'm assuming my only window is Spring or does our Southern California Autumn season lend itself to planting?

I know all these answers are in "the book" .... LOL so maybe I should quit bothering all you wonderful people until I read the book and know more ...

Thank you all again ... I am going to enjoy this forum! Keep the good advice coming or a message of encouragement .... or, you can simply answer the question that lingers in my mind when I'm soaking away the back pain in my tub ..... "what in the hell was I thinking taking on this giant project all by myself ..."?? LOL

Michele

 

[BobR]

Ciao Michele,

It's a labor of love! Once you finish your first book, you might want to pick up this book as well. Both books are really good. "The Grape Grower: A Guide to Organic Viticult…(Paperback)by Lon J. Rombough." Back here, spring is not the only window for planting, but not knowing anything about SoCal, I don't know if you could plant later. There should be some on here from your area and they should be able to answer your growing questions. I planted last October and they were only in the ground around 5-6 weeks before winter hit and so far, they look like they are going to bud out, that is if the weather would ever wam up. I have some bud swell, but no bud break yet. Nothing but cold, rain and flooding going on around here.

Hey good luck! Once you jump into this with both feet, you'll really enjoy it!