Released on: April 6, 2008, 9:27 am

Press Release Author: mathew guiver, water damage team

Industry:

Press Release Summary: Purchasing any piece of property is a big decision for any
investor. However, if you are looking to purchase vineyard land this decision can be
even more complicated as growing quality wine grapes can be impossible in the wrong
soil.

Press Release Body: Lake County, CA - Consider the following advice from Rim Rock
Ranch on looking at vineyard properties.

"Quality wine grapes are not easy to produce and require very specific
characteristics in the land they are planted in," notes Chris Taylor of Rim Rock
Ranch. "When you beginning your search for the perfect vineyard land keep these tips
in mind to avoid making a costly mistake."

Decide what grapes you intend to plant.

The details of your ideal land will greatly depend on the specific grapes you plan
on growing. Before beginning you search you should research your favorite grapes so
you have know what criteria to look for.

Look for sloped sites.

Grapevines need excellent drainage to flourish. If their roots are soaked in water
they won't produce good grapes and could even die. Ideally your vines should be
located on a southeast to southwest facing slope so their leaves can soak up as much
sunlight as possible.

Make sure there is ample sunshine.

To fully ripen, grapes need sufficient heat during the growing season. Wine grapes
need at least 1,400 hours of annual sunlight during the growing season to ripen
properly. This is also causes grapes to mature faster thus increasing the quality of
the wine

Avoid areas with excess rain.

The amount of rainfall a region receives has a large impact on the type and quality
of the grapes and wine produced. A very wet summer can induce harmful mildew in a
vineyard. Additionally, precipitation shortly before harvest may dilute sugar levels
and adversely affect the finished wine, thus the climate must be right. However,
vines need no less than 22 annual inches of precipitation to survive. As usual,
balance is critical.

Look for land with deep soil.

Most great wines are produced from grapes grown in deep, well-drained soils. Soil
depth helps determine how deep a vine's roots can grow. Vines will not grow well in
gray, shoddy subsoil.

Check neighboring foliage.

Nearby trees can produce bothersome shade along with dozens of other problems.
Nearby trees can also rob soil of needed moisture and may even contain wild grape
vines that carry diseases and insects.

Test the soil's nutrients

When you have narrowed your site selection, it's a good idea to take soil samples
and have them tested. This extra step will reveal the soil's nutrient and acidity
levels. Your county extension office can usually refer you to a testing facility and
will make recommendations other recommendations about your soil.


Web Site: http://www.rimrocknow.com/

Contact Details: Rim Rock Ranch is located just minutes from Napa on the quiet side
of the wine country. Available parcels range from 12 to 29 acres and feature
pristine soil, a perfect grape-growing climate, a pest-free environment and
California's cleanest air. For more information visit RimRockNow.com.