What is the perfect vineyard site?

We all know the prerequisites for vines to thrive – south-facing, less than 300 feet above sea level, high average temperatures, low frost risk and free draining soils.

But often less appreciated is the fact that a successful vineyard has other requirements nearly as important as the quality of the land. Key among these are the buildings.

At its simplest, a vineyard established solely for grape production will require at least one building to house machinery and other ancillary items necessary for vine management.

If a winery is to be established, possibly with tourism facilities such as a restaurant, tasting centre and shop, the requirements can increase significantly – and this is where it starts to potentially get complicated.

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