Mario DeLuca
DeMariano Vineyard
Grant Award: $6,000 — Wine Production
The 2012 WNC AgOptions grant offsets DeMariano Vineyard’s wine production costs to help the family realize the value-added income from the farm’s grapes. The vines are producing at about 75 percent in 2012, a total of approximately four tons of grapes. Purchased equipment includes: a set of pallet forks, fermentation/storage tanks, a mist pump, hoses, valves and connectors, oak barrels, a wine filter and bottling supplies.
DeMariono Vineyard’s first wine, a Chardonnay, could be available for sale as early as fall of 2012. Red wines will be ready for market in 2013, which is when the on-farm tasting room will likely open. The vineyard income is vital for keeping the family’s cattle farm, established in 1983, viable.
Look the vineyard up on Facebook or see www.doublemfarm.com and www.demarianovineyards.com.
Contact the Local Extension Agent