If you're thinking of starting a vineyard, you're embarking on an exciting new adventure. But before you start picking out your grapes and digging in the dirt, it's vital to do some planning to ensure the best crops and the best result for you. Here are 3 things to learn before you begin cultivating.

Your Goals. There are many reasons to plan vines, and your specific interests will inform most aspects of your endeavor. First, what types of things do you want to do with the grapes you harvest? Will you be growing table grapes or wine grapes? Are you looking to make wine, to sell the grapes to wineries, to make jams or jellies, or just to have a beautiful backdrop for your farm? Do you want to host events in your vineyard? How much money are you willing to put into the project, and what kind of time frame do you have? Assessing your desires and needs will help you find the right spot.

The Land. Grapes have specific needs when it comes to climate, drainage, and exposure. More than many crops, grapes will require just the right location in order to do well. Consider the sun exposure on any piece of property you look at in order to find the best orientation for exposure -- often north-south but sometimes east-west. In addition, you'll need to determine how the drainage is. Many vineyards need gentle sloping to help both moisture and sunlight, and you may be able to adjust the land somewhat to accommodate this. Before buying a piece of land, have it assessed by a landscape engineer to determine these aspects and how much it may require to correct any deficiencies.

Equipment. Vineyards can be intensive to care for and harvest, and you will likely need to invest in some equipment to get the job done. Once you've assessed your goals, you should be able to decide how large your vineyard will be, what types of grapes you'll plant, and what type of equipment is needed to keep them. Budget some money for necessities like trucks (or other vehicles to haul things), tractors, mowers, harvesters, tillers, and the like. The more you can automate in your growing and harvesting process, the less labor costs you'll have as well.

By learning these aspects of your future vineyard, you can find the right piece of land to create a farm that brings you both happiness and a consistent income. Contact a company like Down Cape Engineering Inc to get started.