Factors to consider when buying a vineyard in BC
Whether you are buying an existing vineyard or starting one from scratch, check out all the factors critical for the success of a vineyard (e.g. orientation of land to sun, degree of shelter, soil suitability, drainage, varieties planted, room for expansion). It is almost impossible to get a site for your vineyard with all the factors scoring the maximum scale for vine production. When too many factors that don't merit a good positive score, you are unlikely to make a decent living out of your vineyard.
Photo used under Creative Commons from southern foodways alliance
Soil Suitability
When buying a vineyard in BC, soil in the land you plan to buy for establishing a new vineyard is very important. The easiest way to test if the soil is suitable for planting a new vineyard is of course to have professional test made on the soil. This is a service you can buy as the composition of the soil can give you a clear idea of what type of grapes it would be suitable to plant on the land.
Climate and your site terrain
It is important to make sure the climate on the BC vineyard property you plan to buy for establishing a new vineyard is right! Find out if Basque Vineyard near Ashcroft at Thompson Valley is for you.
The altitude of your site will effect what grapes you can grow on the land. Most grapes are sensitive to frost - and this has to be taken into account. Will the grapes you plan to plant actually grow well on this height?
At what direction the sun rises and where does the sun set on your vineyard? What is the slop of the property if any and can you plant your vines so you get the right exposure to the sun for your vines to grow with maximum potential and quality?
You also need to take into considerations the wind condition, any frost in the spring, and snow in the winter? A sloping property can be planted on, but you need to plan for the machinery so the vines can be reached and worked on! Basque Vineyard has all the attributes required for a thriving vineyard - a property with magnificent 360 degree view!
Is the site suitable for the grape varieties you want to plant?
If you can’t plant the grapes you plan for your vineyard, then the land is no good to establish the grapevines you want to plant! Unless, you can substitute with other varieties that are suitable without compromising the quality fruits you want from your vineyard. There is a large variety of grapes you can plant in BC with anything from
early maturity variety, frost resisting vines to vines that are more resistant against fungus.
Water for your vineyard
If the land is good for the vines you plan to use, the next test is getting abundant supply of good water! Although some region in BC may have enough rainfall to sustain your crop, the supply of water is critical to meet the needs of your plants. You will need lots of water for your vineyard, so making sure that the property you plan to buy has enough access to water. Water is absolutely essential for a vineyard. The Basque Vineyard has a water system that can supply over 150 gallons of water per minute.
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