Viticultural & Winemaking Consultancy

Including climate data, aspect, soil analysis and preparation.
Vineyard design - Variety choice, trellis selection, plant spacing, row orientation and costings.

Assess yields, maturity, desired wine styles. Sample soil and/or petioles for nutrient analysis and interpretation. Assess disease problems, cultural practices including pesticide application and canopy management.

Identification of problems and defects in wine quality, and the relationship to viticultural practices (variety selection, environmental conditions, trellis, nutrition, etc.)
Recommendation of remedial treatments and vineyard redevelopment plan where required
Ongoing evaluation of cultural methods, fruit quality and final wine quality

From initial concept to commissioning; working with your architects and builders, providing knowledge and understanding of the winemaking processes.
Equipment recommendations, sourcing and commissioning.

Grape and must handling; primary, secondary and malolactic fermentation monitoring; stabilisation and filtration; using oak in winemaking; winestyles by design; blending advice; safe and sterile bottling and packaging.

Identification of problems and defects in juice or wine and methods to correct or reduce impact in finished wine.

The highest profit often comes from selling "cellar door" - how to attract and hold visitor attention - and converting that interest into sales.

Developing products that complement your wines, and make use of equipment throughout the year. I have experience with non wine products such as cider, liqueurs, and distilled spirits that could dramatically increase total sales.

Helping to ensure your business is profitable and commercially viable. Also helping develop business plans for use in planning applications, grant applications, business loans etc..