Who are we...
My name is Tony West and my wife is Mary. We have both been around farming and the greenhouse business most of our lives. In 2007 we purchased our small farm in Adams County in south central Ohio. For many years, we have discussed and researched about having a vineyard, specially one that produces quality Vinifera wine grapes. This farm has proper soil, rolling hills for water drainage and good air flow. A couple years after moving in, we started looking into the realistic viability of doing this. A vineyard is a huge investment in both time and money. The biggest issue with growing Vinifera grapes here in the eastern part of the U.S. is our winters can be quite harsh. The growing conditions from spring thru fall are very similar to both the Bordeaux region of France and Napa California. Due to our colder winter temperatures, we are in a USDA zone 6A instead of the zone 7 or warmer that is typical for Vinifera grapes. In recent years, there have been pioneers here in Ohio and in New York, Maryland and Virginia researching and working with various Vinifera grapes and there has been great success. Bordeaux varieties typically do the best here in southern Ohio, not only from a winter survival standpoint but also a soil adaptability and fruit quality standpoint. Selecting varieties of Vinifera grapes that both survive winters and mature a quality crop late in the year, not during the hot summer, is a lot to ask. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Viognier, Rousanne, Semillon, Chardonnay, Carmenere, Gamay Noir and Pinot Gris are all varieties that have proven that in most years do well in our growing zone. So, after a huge amount of research, we decided to dive in.
My name is Tony West and my wife is Mary. We have both been around farming and the greenhouse business most of our lives. In 2007 we purchased our small farm in Adams County in south central Ohio. For many years, we have discussed and researched about having a vineyard, specially one that produces quality Vinifera wine grapes. This farm has proper soil, rolling hills for water drainage and good air flow. A couple years after moving in, we started looking into the realistic viability of doing this. A vineyard is a huge investment in both time and money. The biggest issue with growing Vinifera grapes here in the eastern part of the U.S. is our winters can be quite harsh. The growing conditions from spring thru fall are very similar to both the Bordeaux region of France and Napa California. Due to our colder winter temperatures, we are in a USDA zone 6A instead of the zone 7 or warmer that is typical for Vinifera grapes. In recent years, there have been pioneers here in Ohio and in New York, Maryland and Virginia researching and working with various Vinifera grapes and there has been great success. Bordeaux varieties typically do the best here in southern Ohio, not only from a winter survival standpoint but also a soil adaptability and fruit quality standpoint. Selecting varieties of Vinifera grapes that both survive winters and mature a quality crop late in the year, not during the hot summer, is a lot to ask. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Viognier, Rousanne, Semillon, Chardonnay, Carmenere, Gamay Noir and Pinot Gris are all varieties that have proven that in most years do well in our growing zone. So, after a huge amount of research, we decided to dive in.
Step one...
In 2012, we started to plot out our vineyard sites. Land was cleared, soil samples were tested and improvements were made. In 2013, we marked off rows in north-south orientation, made drainage improvements and contracted for out first vine purchase. We were very selective on the nursery we used to supply us with clean, virus free plant stock. In June 2014, we received our first shipment of vines from a California nursery: Cabernet Sauvignon clone 338 on 101-14 rootstock. Clone 338 is a quality French clone that has moderate crop size with high quality grapes having a fruit driven flavor and moderate tannin. During the growing season, vines are inspected daily. Irrigating young plants is done 3 to 4 times a week during hot weather. Trellises for these vines are being installed and will continue into 2015.
Goal...
We initially are working towards 3 acres of Vinifera grapevines. In 2015 we will expand our Cabernet Sauvignon planting and add Pinot Gris. Future plantings will continue for the next few years. Demand for Ohio grown Vinifera grapes is quite high and projection studies show demand will continue to grow.
In 2012, we started to plot out our vineyard sites. Land was cleared, soil samples were tested and improvements were made. In 2013, we marked off rows in north-south orientation, made drainage improvements and contracted for out first vine purchase. We were very selective on the nursery we used to supply us with clean, virus free plant stock. In June 2014, we received our first shipment of vines from a California nursery: Cabernet Sauvignon clone 338 on 101-14 rootstock. Clone 338 is a quality French clone that has moderate crop size with high quality grapes having a fruit driven flavor and moderate tannin. During the growing season, vines are inspected daily. Irrigating young plants is done 3 to 4 times a week during hot weather. Trellises for these vines are being installed and will continue into 2015.
Goal...
We initially are working towards 3 acres of Vinifera grapevines. In 2015 we will expand our Cabernet Sauvignon planting and add Pinot Gris. Future plantings will continue for the next few years. Demand for Ohio grown Vinifera grapes is quite high and projection studies show demand will continue to grow.