Vineyard Layout

The first step in establishing a vineyard is clearing the land of large vegetation. Before planting begins, careful site preparation is essential, including removing existing plants, deciding the direction of rows, and determining spacing between vines and rows. Begin site preparation in late summer or early fall the year before planting. Eliminate perennial weeds. Some vineyards perform well with native grasses mowed low between rows, while others benefit from annual cover crops. Remove all tree and shrub roots to prevent regrowth. Deep chiseling down the proposed rows will help break up compacted layers or plow pans, though in heavy clay soils, deep plowing may not be beneficial. Follow this with plowing and discing. The ideal site will have all vegetation cleared and a summer cover crop followed by a fall planting of small grains to improve soil structure and organic matter.

This is also the right time to evaluate your soil. Collect soil samples in the fall when soil temperatures drop below 50ºF and send them to a certified lab for a full analysis of nutrient and pH levels. Understanding soil chemistry and structure allows for early nutrient corrections and improved drainage and irrigation planning.

In areas with acidic soils, take samples one to two years before planting. If lime is needed, incorporate it to a 2- to 3-foot depth before planting a cover crop to ensure complete neutralization. Take a final round of samples before planting to make any last adjustments.

If the site has residual nitrogen from previous crops (such as potatoes, which require heavy nitrogen application), plant and harvest a grain crop to draw down nitrogen levels. Excess nitrogen leads to overly vigorous vines that are harder to manage and more prone to disease. Proper soil preparation can prevent future issues and save time and money in vineyard maintenance.

Keep row lengths under 500 feet for easier management and uniform irrigation pressure. Longer rows may need mid-row bracing to strengthen trellises. Most vineyards use 200- to 300-foot rows. On level ground, orient rows for maximum length and minimal end posts. However, most sites are sloped. Avoid contouring around hills, as trellises will be unstable. Low-lying areas are better suited for access alleys than vine rows.

Whenever possible, align rows north–south to improve sunlight exposure, air circulation, and fruit ripening. However, factors like topography, erosion, and prevailing winds may dictate alternate orientations. In regions prone to erosion, running rows across slopes may be necessary to maintain soil stability. If leveling is needed to eliminate gullies, preserve topsoil by scraping and storing it before grading. After leveling, redistribute the topsoil evenly across the vineyard. Uniform soil depth promotes consistent vine growth and simplifies vineyard management.

Row spacing is determined by equipment size, canopy height, and vine vigor. Aim for a 1:1 ratio between canopy height and row width, for example, a 6-foot canopy should have at least 6 feet between rows to reduce shading.

Common row spacing ranges from 6 to 13 feet, depending on equipment and terrain. Steeper slopes and horizontally divided systems like the Geneva Double Curtain (GDC) require wider spacing. Ensure spacing supports adequate sunlight, air movement, and equipment maneuverability.

In-row vine spacing typically ranges from 3 to 12 feet, with 6 to 8 feet being most common. Choose spacing based on soil vigor, climate, and variety. Vigorous vines in fertile or irrigated soils need more space (8–10 feet), while less vigorous vines in shallower soils can be spaced closer (around 6 feet). Closer spacing can increase early yields but also raises labor and material costs and complicates canopy management. Conversely, overly wide spacing may cause poor trellis fill. For most vineyards, 6–10 feet between vines works best for non-divided trellis systems like VSP or high cordon.

Leave sufficient space at row ends for equipment to turn. At least 30 feet for tractors and sprayers. Divide long rows with cross alleys to allow easy movement for machinery and workers. Thoughtful headland and alley planning supports efficient vineyard operations and long-term productivity.