growing grapes for fun, food and profit · 2017-12-12 · growing grapes for fun, food and profit...
TRANSCRIPT
Growing Grapes for Fun,
Food and Profit
Judi J. Benestante, Ph.D.
Owner/Partner Viticulture Specialist
Texas Master Gardener Texas Junior Master Gardener Specialist
Carriage House Farm and Vineyard
Tell your neighbor WHY
you might want to grow
grapes or why you want
to improve the
production of the grapes
you are growing.
Today’s Agenda
• Where am I now?
• Where do I want to be and
how can I get there from
here?
• What will my vineyard
look like in 5 years?
Where am I now?
Site Selection:
• Climate
• Water
• Infrastructure
Variety Selection
Table Grapes
Wine Grapes
Where do I want to be and how can I
get there from here?
PLANTING
Water Requirements
Training and Trellising
MAINTENANCE
UP Keep – WEEDS, Pruning, Hedging
Chemicals
Carriage House Farm was established 1975, with Phase I of the
Vineyard planted in 2009. 50 vines planted; Phase II planted 2011 150 vines
planted Phase III 2011 planted 234 vines Phase IV
First Harvest 2013
Grape Varieties: Blanc du Bois
Lenoir (Black Spanish)
Phase I Planted February, 2009
Section 1
Phase I
Blanc du Bois
1.5 rows 250' long +/- 30 vines/row
Section II Lenoir (Black Spanish)
I.5 rows 250' long +/- 20 vines/row
Phase II-Sections III and IV Planted February, 2011
Black Spanish
2.5 rows 250' long +/- 100 vines/row
Blanc du Bois
1.5 rows 250' long +/- 50 vines
Phase III, Section V Planted February 2012
Various lengths
7 rows Black Spanish +/- 234 vines/row
Totals: =/- 1.75 acres; 429 vines
Trellis System: Watson
Rows: 12' wide 6' between vines
• Producing approx. 4-
5 tons per acre
minimum
What will my vineyard look
like in 5 years?
• Making 100 gallons per person
wine a year;
• MAKING A PROFIT ON THE
REMAINDER OF OUR CROP;
and
• Enjoying our retirement!
Around the Farm
Contact Numbers
Judi J. Benestante, Ph.D.
• Home: 936-653-4869
• Office Cell: 936-760-5144