Land clearing is almost done. We’ve got some stumps to remove and debris to burn (which is ok under VA and EPA rules for agricultural clearing). See pic below.
Logo development is done. We’ve actually finalized 2 logos which we may use for everyday and premium vintages. Everyday logo is posted below.
Exciting times. Stay tuned.
Finally, commencement of the timber harvest. Now we’ll get to see: final completion of land clearing; the views of the mountainside and valley below; layout of vineyard blocks; completion of soil tests for grape varietals and waste water systems; and completion of final vineyard building and road designs. Quite a gating event. So happy we’re on our way.
Today (Friday, January 17, 2014), I visited our vineyard property near Hillsboro, Loudoun County, VA, and witnessed actual progress on the ground. Land clearing work has begun. This project is no longer land searches, legal documents, research, regulation, permits, hope, dreams, and ideas. We’ve begun actual “real” work. Dave, our excavator and land clearing contractor, has begun clearing pulpwood trees (too small for timber harvesting) from the property. After completion of this clearing work, based on efforts by our forester (Dan), the timber companies will arrive and harvest more mature trees for lumber (including, walnut, cherry, 4 types of oak, poplar, ash, and other species). We’ll retain some of the harvestable timber for use on site in vineyard or winery...
Ok, I’ve got land. I’ve researched applicable regulation and know permits I’ll need to clear the land, plant the vineyard, put in a road, put up initial vineyard buildings, and so on. I’m applying for permits now. I’m sure I’ve missed something. Oh, yeah, the talent. It really takes a team to start a vineyard. I don’t have all the knowledge, skill, energy, tools and equipment to do everything that’s required in this phase of vineyard establishment. In addition to my soils consultant (Alex) and real estate agent (Jodi), I need a contractor to clear land and build a farm road and parking area (Dave). I also need a forester (Dan) to help me inventory timber for harvest and sale...
I’ve been spending a lot of time with government over the last few weeks (excluding vacation). To clear land and plant a vineyard, I need a lot of nods from officials at the state and local level. I’m still researching what parts of the federal government I have to genuflect before…but more about that after the shut down ends. By my research (I’m serving as my own counsel so this list will likely grow), I need the following: 2 entrance road permits for logging, farm equipment, and commercial use (vineyard/winery) from VDOT; Location clearance permits from Loudoun County (to clear timber); Farm management and forest management plans/permits to clear timber and plant a vineyard from the VA Soil and Water...
