Roots

Overcoming Obstacles

Despite the ideal soil, there were several other issues to resolve if this vineyard was to become a reality.

First was where to plant the vines. Mike chose a south-east facing hill with a good slope that would aid with drainage and maximize solar radiation for drying after a rain.

Next there was the problem of water. Technically classified as a “high desert” area, the vines would need irrigation if they were to stay alive. Mike decided a drip irrigation system would be the best way to water the vines while using the least amount of water possible.

Then there was the issue of the growing season. Western South Dakota has a growing season of 120 to 150 days—at least a month shorter than vineyards in Northern Italy. Nonetheless, Mike was betting that the vineyard would be protected by the microclimate produced as a result of being located on the leeward side of the Black Hills.

So, Mike thought he‘d give “vineyarding” a go and see what happened. In the fall of 2007, he ordered 650 vines from a supplier in upstate New York to be delivered and planted the following spring.