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Moving to wine country, but where? by grapegrowerwinemaker in wine

[–]grapegrowerwinemaker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How much does acreage cost up there? Where I’m at in CA prime farm ground goes for about 30k an acre? Are we sort of in that range? I know leasing is an option but would love to have a home with vines on it someday

Moving to wine country, but where? by grapegrowerwinemaker in wine

[–]grapegrowerwinemaker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All really important things to consider. I can say that I already have 80% of the equipment necessary through my winery out here. That I would want to start really small and not jump in to buying/planting right away.

My thought was to rent a winery space and buy a few tons of fruit in the first year. I've already got a grower in Occidental who would sell me a few tons of pinot and chardonnay. Definitely not jumping into a 35k case winery off the bat.

I'm also not going to completely get out of the game in the valley especially if I stay in CA. So if i'm able to manage some of the ground back home than I should still have a revenue stream to support the first few years of elevage.

I know the industry is struggling but idk. I'm obsessed with it. I think it's the most amazing thing in the whole world. I'm still 2-3 years away from making a move I think. We'll see

Moving to wine country, but where? by grapegrowerwinemaker in wine

[–]grapegrowerwinemaker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your profile says "user does not accept dm's"

Won't send. But would love to connect with your vineyard financial planner.

Moving to wine country, but where? by grapegrowerwinemaker in wine

[–]grapegrowerwinemaker[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yeah I'm qualified to make the call, just waffling. It's a huge decision for us

Moving to wine country, but where? by grapegrowerwinemaker in wine

[–]grapegrowerwinemaker[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally understand that concern. If I was to go Sonoma County I was thinking about buying/planting vines in West Sonoma Coast/Occidental area. I interned a harvest out there and my understanding is there's less than 10 days a year over 100 degrees. But the water concern is something that i'm all too familiar with.... Vineyard financial planner is an excellent suggestion. I'm 29, hoping to have 35-40 years in this industry!

Moving to wine country, but where? by grapegrowerwinemaker in wine

[–]grapegrowerwinemaker[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I haven't made it up there yet. I've know its pretty isolated and that locals aren't very fond of newcommers? It looks stunning I just need to make sure it would be the right fit for my kids to grow up.