Land Requirement for a Small Winery Business
At a minimum, vintners require five acres to start a small winery business that grows grapes, produces wine, and sells the wine directly to customers. Five acres will provide enough space to grow approximately 5,500 vines, producing around 55,000 bottles.
Planting and Growth Details
- Vineyards usually produce 2 to 10 tons per acre.
- 700 to 800 vines fit per acre.
- Planting 1,000 vines takes 250 labor hours.
- Rows are closer together in warmer climates.
- Rows are 20 feet apart, vines 12 feet (182 vines per acre).
- Vines spaced 4 feet apart and rows 10 feet apart equal 1,089 vines per acre.
Production and Market Statistics
- The average price per ton increased 6.9% from $800 to $855.
- White grapes increased 8% to $635 per ton.
- Red grapes increased 5.5% to $1,019 per ton.
- Open plantable land costs $100,000-$75,000 per acre.
- The 2017 global wine market was $302 billion. It should reach $423 billion by 2023, growing 5.8% yearly.
Operational Considerations
- A deer fence for one acre costs $7,000.
- Grapes need 4 feet of root space.
- Water use is 12.5 gallons per minute per acre.
- Table grapes need 4 acre feet of water.
- Marketing gives small vineyards profitability.
- Home winemaking uses 6-7 kg of grapes per gallon.
- One ton fills over two barrels.
- Extra grapes can be roasted or frozen.