We have years to go before we can expect a harvest. We are still in the land prep phase. We really need to get busy this spring with land prep because a local vineyard has offered cuttings to us. This is a tremendous offer and a great cost saver. With 700 vine plantings at $20 each we can see a $14,000 savings. I recommend that you drop by AniChe Cellars if you are in the area (and us too!).

What varietals to plant is a question that has no answer at this time. It has been suggested that we plant 5 varietals but that seams excessive. Two it too few. Perhaps 4 would do. But which 4 is the question. Given that our plants would be from cuttings perhaps it would be best to head to the AniChe Cellars tasting room and see which wines we like best. Also it would be good to check out just how well they grow in our terroir. We are in a little bit more afternoon shade too.

High on the list are some favorites, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet, Merlot are all great wines that we like and greo well here. But how about some less common varietals? Nebbiolo, Barbera, Petite Sirah or even a Moscato like the ones I’ve sampled in Ukraine’s Crimea region.

So many choices…