Churchill County Has Great Potential for Growing Premium Quality Wine Grapes
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Frey Ranch Vineyard, July 2001, a cooperative research collaboration between the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources (CABNR) at the University of Nevada, Reno and the Churchill County Grape Growers, Inc. |
Frey Ranch, July 2001 |
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The initial success of the UNR vineyard has generated considerable interest in nearby areas. One of these areas is Fallon in Churchill County, seventy miles east of Reno. This region contains approximately 50,000 acres of farmland (mostly alfalfa) with approximately 2,300 small family farmers, many who have been working the soil for four generations. More than 95% of these farmers own less than 100 acres. The climate is milder and the growing season is longer compared to Minden and Reno. Water is an important issue for these farmers.
Fallon and other Nevada areas have climates equal to or better than some Napa regions for growing premium grapes. See the table below for Growing Degree Day (GDD) calculations.
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Temperature comparisons indicate that Churchill County has very similar temperatures to the Napa's Carneros region (if not more favorable). The best premium wines are made from grapes grown in regions with a GDD between 2500 and 3000. One of the most interesting temperature statistics is that Churchill County had a 30 degree diurnal temperature differential, between the high and low during the growing season, while Napa had a 26 degree temperature differential. These large daily temperature fluctuations between high and lows create a very desirable "sugar to acid ratio" for high quality wines. Thus, there is good potential to establish vineyards in Churchill County. However, a variety trial is needed along with an irrigation study to determine the minimum amounts of water needed to produce premium quality grapes for wine.
A 3 acre experimental vineyard has been established at the Frey Ranch in Fallon. This research project is a joint venture by the Churchill County Growers, Inc. and CABNR at the University of Nevada, Reno. V. vinifera grapes (10 varieties) were planted at the beginning of July, 2001.
