Small vineyard growing grapes for wineries

Wineries and winemakers in your region, usually under a supply agreement or at an agreed price per tonne.

You are paid per tonne of grapes at harvest, so income arrives in a lump once a year. Quality, variety and a good relationship with the buyer affect your price.

• Comfortable with physical outdoor work
• Basic farming or horticulture knowledge
• Planning around seasons and weather
• Negotiating with buyers

• Land costs are not included in the startup estimate, so check lease terms or purchase price carefully
• Income depends on one harvest a year, and frost, heat, fire smoke and disease can hurt a crop. Check crop insurance options
• Check your state's rules on water access and licences, and on farm chemical use and training
• Public liability insurance, and workers compensation insurance once you hire pickers or staff
• Grape prices can swing between seasons, so avoid relying on a single buyer

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on the block and the equipment you need. This estimate does not include land, so check lease terms or the purchase price carefully before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on block size, yield and the price your winery pays. Income depends on one harvest a year, and prices can swing between seasons, so avoid relying on a single buyer.

Check your state's rules on water access and licences, and on farm chemical use and training. Also check crop insurance options, public liability insurance, and workers compensation insurance once you hire pickers or staff.