Horticultural Alternatives for Texas Agriculture

Vinifera Wine Grapes

Estimated Cost $8,500 per acre and $1,000 per acre annual management; harvest in July

Market Outlets Texas wineries, some home wine makers

Market Potential Good, but must have contract with winery

Profit Potential $0 to $3,000 per acre

Adapted Areas West, Central and North Texas

Labor Requirements One person per 4 acres the second and third years and eight to ten persons per acre at harvest

Equipment Requirements Tractor, sprayer, trailer, shredder, herbicide sprayer

Soil Requirements Well-drained

Water Requirements Drip irrigation, 4 to 12 gallons per vine per day potential

Minimum Size 1/2 acre

Risk Factor Moderate

Other Limiting Factors Pierce's disease and black rot prevent production in East and South Texas. Cotton root rot, hail and freeze can prevent production in West Texas areas. Other pests include black rot, powdery mildew, downy mildew, nematodes, oak root rot, western grape leaf skeletonizer, aphids and leaf hoppers

Additional Information

Comments Production of quality vinifera wine in Texas has stimulated development of a $50 million industry in less than 10 years. To guarantee sales all vineyards need a contract with an established winery.

Alternatives Index

Estimated Cost	$8,500 per acre and $1,000 per acre annual management; harvest in July
Market Outlets	Texas wineries, some home wine makers
Market Potential	Good, but must have contract with winery
Profit Potential	$0 to $3,000 per acre
Adapted Areas	West, Central and North Texas
Labor Requirements	One person per 4 acres the second and third years and eight to ten persons per acre at harvest
Equipment Requirements	Tractor, sprayer, trailer, shredder, herbicide sprayer
Soil Requirements	Well-drained
Water Requirements	Drip irrigation, 4 to 12 gallons per vine per day potential
Minimum Size	1/2 acre
Risk Factor	Moderate
Other Limiting Factors	Pierce's disease and black rot prevent production in East and South Texas. Cotton root rot, hail and freeze can prevent production in West Texas areas. Other pests include black rot, powdery mildew, downy mildew, nematodes, oak root rot, western grape leaf skeletonizer, aphids and leaf hoppers
Additional Information
Comments	Production of quality vinifera wine in Texas has stimulated development of a $50 million industry in less than 10 years. To guarantee sales all vineyards need a contract with an established winery.