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+--- Thread: Grape Growing in the North East and Mid Atlantic Regions (/thread-15991.html)
- MichaelR - 06-29-2002
I am a red wine lover who makes wine every year. I am searching for land to purchase and one day start a vinyard. Because I live on the east coast this venture is difficult. I can't seem to get a straight answer about what areas (if any) can produce an exceptional red wine such as a pino noir grape. I favor areas such as the Finger Lakes region in New York and Southern Pennsylania where I have just visited and noticed the lovely rolling hills. Apparently these areas claim to be having much success with french hybrids but are they really? Are these areas worth investing in or should I move to the west coast?
- Kcwhippet - 06-30-2002
Part of the problem is that no part of the east coast produces an exceptional wine from Pinot Noir. The North Fork comes closest. The Finger Lakes and southern Pennsylvania are, indeed, having success with French hybrids, but they don't make wines as widely accepted as those from Vitis vinifera. However, the Finger Lakes do produce some of the finest Rieslings made. I don't know why you're having trouble getting a straight answer to your questions. The people who know the answers are more than willing to share their knowledge. Who's giving you answers that aren't straight?
- winoweenie - 06-30-2002
Hi there Michael and welcome to the board. As the old saw goes " How do you make a small fortune in the wine Business? (A) Start with a large fortune ". Suggest you contact one of our illustrious members,Foodie ( Thomas Pellicheri) at Is-Wine in New York City as he has the best insight....Been there, Done That. Good Luck WW
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- Thomas - 06-30-2002
I certainly have been there--still am here come to think of it.
Re, Pinot Noir: Every five years the climate allows Finger Lakes PN to excel. Every year the grape is fine for inclusion in sparkling wine. The region is not only perfect for Riesling, it is terrific for sparkling wine production and for Cabernet Franc production.
Michael, unless you are quite wealthy, stay a home winemaker. If you are quite wealthy, I am willing to use your money to get back what i lost...
- MichaelR - 06-30-2002
Thanks everyone for your responses. Winoweenie thanks for the contact "foodie". Foodie, to answer your question, I'm not rich. I have learned that it is quite an investment to get a vineyard going. Your advice however, is well taken. The important thing is that I have confirmation, from someone who knows there stuff, that an exceptional red wine can be produced in the northeast. Come to think of it, I tried a Cabernet Franc about four years ago at Standing Stone Vineyards on Seneca Lake and it was pretty good. Foodie, whats your take on just growing grapes and selling them off to the wineries, (keeping some for your own personal production of course) without getting involved in production of wine itself? Would this be more of a realistic approach? I'm not in a rush.
[This message has been edited by MichaelR (edited 06-30-2002).]
- Thomas - 07-04-2002
Sorry Michael, just saw your post.
Re, vineyard as opposed to winery: suffice to say that most producers who operate a vineyard and a winery keep the bookkeeping separate mainly because the vineyard is generally a losing agricultural endeavor. I know someone on Keuka Lake who believes he can make money growing and selling grapes, but what he fails to look at is the value of his time and labor (which all farmers do) plus the vagaries of the Finger Lakes climate. For instance, in 1992 we had a miserable vintage; it was so bad that I could not secure grapes for my small winery. That helped to push me out of business, and it helped to force a few small grape growers into serious financial difficulty.
In the U.S. in general, it costs more to grow grapes than it does for Europeans to sell us finished wine in a bottle. Winegrowing is subsidized in many European countries. Here, it is the only agricultural product that gets absolutely no federal government subsidy.
One more thing: grapegrowing is not a seasonal occupation. The vineyard is tended all year round.
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- MichaelR - 07-04-2002
Thanks for the valuable information. You have given me a well needed harsh dose of reality. Even though I have researched the issue of grape growing in the north east and have spoken with some great people with Rutgers & University of Maryland Cooperative Extension, (Specialists in Viticulture & Small Fruit)nothing compares to the experience of one who's been down that road before (in the real world). I will continue to learn about viticulture but will focus most of my energies on collecting. Because I'm constantantly drinking my own wine, I'm ignorant as to what's out there. Thanks Again!!
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