Thanks for the info. The larger vineyards in Illinois also buy grapes to augment their harvest. Didn't know there was such a demand for Illinois wine.
There is an Illinois group that may be just as eager to help, but I haven't contacted them yet. I wanted to hear what you guys had to say first. I checked out Don Plumley's web page and he's got quite an operation. I don't see myself ever being on that scale. I read that 1-2 acres was small enough for 1 person to farm. If it every got to 2 acres of vines, I'd hire someone seasonally, but i figure maybe 1 acre would be manageable between my dad and me (and the kids). It'd be on a hobby-scale unless there was a potential for high profit by selling the grapes. We have a small apple and pear orchard now and I'd be interested in making wine with those fruits too.
Just wanted to know how hard, expensive, etc....
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Souk,
I did a lot of research a few years ago when I was thinking of turning part of my farm over to vines.
As you have no doubt discovered, there is a ton of stuff on the web, almost too much.
I was also able to take advantage of a few local growers and a regional organization that supports new growers. I also approached the main wine maker, Inglenook, for advice. They were all extremely helpful, especially Inglenook. They came out and surveyed my property and would have provided financial help if I agreed to enter into an agreement with them. Interesting. They need grapes!
Also, don't forget your local county agent.
The reason I stayed on the sidelines is that 10 acres of grapes is a lot of touch labor, a lot.
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