In the spring of 1999, after two years of research, the first block of vines was planted. This section of the vineyard includes Niagara, deChaunac, Cayuga, Cynthiana, Vidal and Chambourcin. There were 50 vines of each variety, covering a total area of about 1/3 of an acre. During the winter of 1999-2000 the trellis system was installed to support 3 acres of vineyard. Here we are using a pneumatic post driver to install 200 line posts. In the spring of 2000 we began planting preparations by auguring 2200 holes with a 6" diameter gas powered drill. Here the roots are being trimmed to prepare for planting. The existing vineyard was expanded and Traminette, Reliance, Seyval and Foch were added. After planting was completed the entire vineyard was tilled. The line posts are spaced every 24' and we have 13 in each row. This is a newly planted vine, waiting for the protective grow tube to be installed. The vineyard end posts are lodgepole pine, 9' long and 6" in diameter. The earth anchors have an 8" disk and are 4' long. Another view of the vineyard, showing newly planted vines and additional end posts waiting to be installed. The new vines are reaching out of their grow tubes. The Cayuga vines are pruned and starting to show spring growth. These are the deChaunac vines, also showing spring growth. Early summer view of the Vidal vines. Late summer view of the Foch vines. Here netting has been applied to keep the birds from our precious grapes! Harvest of the Reliance has started. Each lug holds 30 pounds of grapes. The lugs are collected and taken to the winery. Winter in the vineyard. Home