“At King’s Ranch, folks come first. The land matters, the vines matter—but the people who work it, dream it, and share it matter most. We believe in honest partnerships, hard work, and treating every client like family. Because out here, it’s not just about growing grapes—it’s about growing trust.”

Why Picking the Right Vineyard Consultant Matters

When you’re putting in a vineyard, you’re not just planting vines—you’re investing in years of hard work and hoping for a harvest that pays off. The right consultant can make or break that plan.

Why Bring in a Vineyard Consultant?

Start Strong: Get one on board early. A good consultant keeps you from making rookie mistakes with layout, design, and planting that can cost you big down the road.
Fix Problems Fast: When things go sideways—poor growth, weak fruit, or mystery issues—a seasoned consultant knows the land and the vines. They’ll help you turn things around before you lose a season.

What Makes a Good Consultant?

Answers your call or email within 48 hours.
Straightforward about fees, including travel costs.
Can give you at least three solid references.
Knows your area, your varietals, and the style of wine you’re aiming for.
Shows real interest in your project—not just chasing a paycheck.
Gives honest advice about what it takes to build and maintain a vineyard. No sugarcoating.

Pro Tips When Choosing One:

Look for folks with deep roots in winegrowing—multi-generational if possible—and at least 5–10 years in the game.
Be clear about what you expect and share your soil and water tests.
Timing matters—late winter, spring or early summer visits are best.
Ask everything: their observations and recommendations, write them down

Red Flags to Watch For:

Wants to sell you a book instead of walking your land.
Claims they can fix problems without seeing your vineyard or reviewing tests.
No references or track record you can verify.
No hands-on experience in winegrowing or your region.

Questions Worth Asking:

What’s the best wine project you’ve worked on, and how did you make it better?
How do you define vine balance?
How does viticulture shape wine quality in your view?
What’s your experience in my area, and what challenges do you see here?

There’s no single “right” answer to these, but a good consultant will speak with confidence and know their stuff. Keep in mind, finding the right person often depends on how close you are to established wine regions or viticulture programs.

Bottom line: Don’t gamble on someone green or unreliable. This is your land, your crop, and your future vintage—make sure you’ve got the right partner in the dirt with you.