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It all started with a seemingly innocent statement: "Hey, we should grow some grapes." That was back in January 2009, and six months later we started to build a vineyard on a two-acre parcel on the southern end of our property. We already knew that we wanted to partner with a winemaker, and we didn't have to look very far for our first choice: Moshin Vineyards Winery since they just happened to be our good neighbors. They already have a great reputation for their Pinot Noir wines, and this area is perfectly suited for growing Pinot Noir grapes. Based on what was available at the time, we determined that we would plant dormant Swan clones and green Martini clones and placed the order right away so we would have them in time to plant the following year. 
In the meantime, there was much to do. We had to apply for a permit with the county, get the land surveyed, get drawings, and more importantly, we had to get a fence built to keep animals (mostly deer and pigs) away from the future vines. Ah, but that's not all, it turned out that our old, failing water line was located right down the middle of the potential vineyard. Plus, we needed to figure a way to be able to water the vineyard without draining all the water pressure from the two houses. So, we decided to relocate and replace the old water line AND build a water tank so our well wouldn't have to work so hard. 
We cleared the land (luckily only a few trees had to go) and ripped the soil down three feet deep (with a big and LOUD tractor) to get rid of old scotch broom and tree roots. We knew that we wanted to only use organic soil amendments. It's quite a sight (and smell) to see one ton of bat guano, one ton of potash sulfate and twenty-two tons of organic compost all mixed together and spread over a field. Also, add twenty-five tons of mined lime (especially on a windy day) and you get quite a mess. Thank goodness we have tolerant neighbors. 
So, by the end of summer 2009, we had accomplished a lot, and the vineyard was ready to be planted in spring of 2010 whenever the vines were ready. However, there was no time to relax just yet because we had to get the erosion controls in place for the upcoming winter. We arranged to buy all organic supplies (wattles, netting, stakes, etc.), as well as lots and lots of straw, and had everything in place well before the first rain and the inspector gave us her approval. So, how did it all hold up? Well, the very first storm of the season dumped about five inches on the first day and the vineyard became a mess. After getting more straw and spending a very wet day spreading it in the vineyard, everything settled into place and the cover seed eventually filled the vineyard with fescue and clover.  In April 2010, the vineyard crew came back and staked out the rows, installed posts and wire and the irrigation system. In mid-May, the dormant Swan vines arrived and 1,100 were planted in the upper half of the vineyard. We had to wait a little longer than expected to get the green Martini clones because the cooler wetter spring had slowed their growth at the nursery. They arrived a couple weeks later and were planted in the lower half. We had many extra Martini vines and figured that we should make the most of the available space so we added a row along the southeast fence and also planted a nursery row in case we need to replace any vines in the future. We ended up planting about 1,118 Martini clones. The total planted acreage ended up just short of 2 acres (~2,218 vines). 
Now the vineyard is complete and nature is taking over. We will still have to install seasonal erosion control, but as the vegetation grows around the vines, everything should stay in place when we get heavy rains this winter. That's the story of the River Myst Haven Vineyard to this point. If all goes well we will be pouring the first glass of wine containing RMH grapes sometime around the spring of 2014. CHEERS! ~Ted, RMH Facilities Manager |
