Olivia & Daniel
Establishing Scout Vineyards
Question
Where is Scout Vineyards?
Answer
Scout Vineyards is located on the western shore of Seneca Lake. Together in 2018 Daniel and Olivia purchased sixteen acres with the dream of building a home and establishing a vineyard. Our next step is to begin planting the estate vineyard! Initially we intend to plant four acres with the goal of expanding the vineyard in the future.
Question
What types of grapes will be planted?
Answer
Scout Vineyards largely focuses on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Currently we source the fruit for our wines from local growers in the Finger Lakes. The first four acres of our vineyard will be planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Chenin Blanc.
Question
What are the first steps in planting a vineyard?
Answer
In the winter of 2018-19 we installed drain tile at the vineyard site to ensure water drainage in our soils and to prevent runoff from our farm into Seneca Lake. The farm has been organically farmed by local farmers, Klaas and Peter Martens, for the past four years earning USDA Organic Certification in the Spring of 2019. Peter and Klaas will continue to rotate crops on our field up until when we plant the vineyard. Soil preparation is setting the foundation for a lifelong vineyard.
Question
What materials are required to start a vineyard?
Answer
As we begin to source materials for establishing the vineyard we will need a variety of tools and supplies to ensure the quality of vineyard management we believe is essential to the foundation and long term success of a new vineyard. Large quantity purchases will include: Grafted grape vines, Oak stakes, Lodge pole pine posts, Deer fencing, High tensile wire, and Anchors. Initial equipment purchases will include a sprayer and a cultivator.
Question
How will my contribution help to establish Scout Vineyards?
Answer
In lieu of a traditional registry we ask that you be a part of planting our dream vineyard at Scout Vineyards. You are a special part of our lives and we hope that Scout Vineyards will be a place you will visit time and time again to witness the growth of a vineyard you helped establish from the very beginning. We appreciate any amount that you are willing to contribute!