Episode
079: Plan My Vineyard with Matthieu Wheeler
- Podcast
- Vineyard Underground
- Published
- Sep 2, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 3989
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://f364ccd0-b8ab-4504-aea4-3e21b899bc22.libsyn.com/079-plan-my-vineyard-with-matthieu-wheeler
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Summary
In this episode, Fritz walks through the full planning process for a brand-new vineyard alongside guest Matthieu Wheeler. Matthieu, the winemaker at Cassidy Hill Vineyard in Connecticut and founder of Wheeler Winery, is preparing to establish his own vineyard on a newly purchased property. With Fritz's guidance, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into selecting vineyard sites, designing blocks, and preparing the land for long-term success. Fritz and Matthieu cover vineyard economics, including the realistic costs of establishing and maintaining vines, equipment investments, and the role of sweat equity. They also explore soil testing, nutrient management, and the importance of addressing amendments before planting. The conversation digs into key topics such as vineyard orientation, trellis design, row spacing, mechanization potential, and wildlife management. Fritz also emphasizes strategies to minimize risks from frost events, disease pressure, and poor site preparation. Whether you're a prospective grower or expanding your existing operation, this episode provides guidance and a real-world example of how thoughtful planning lays the groundwork for decades of vineyard success. In this episode, you will hear: The importance of soil testing and incorporating amendments before planting Budgeting realistically for vineyard establishment and equipment needs Balancing wine program goals with varieties suited to local conditions Considering labor, mechanization, and long-term management in vineyard design Why starting small and scaling over time helps new growers avoid costly mistakes Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click t…