When Danielle and I moved back to El Drado County in January of 2021 we had had our eyes on a vacant parcel of land in Camino, CA for months. It was mostly covered in wild and invasive blackberries, and sparsely wooded with Oaks, Cedars and Pines, but we could see the potential through the mess that it was. After a long process we closed on the land and were able to start some work to clean up the property and planning our vineyard layout while leaving a bit of space to build ourselves a home and a small tasting room down the line.
With the help of family friends and great neighbors over 9 months we have 10 acres of blackberries cleared off, not accounting for regrowth next year (without herbicides so far), 2.5 acres of plantable ground logged and disced, a home site established, water lines repaired, plants ordered, and 12 burn piles so large we need inspections, special permits, and to advise Cal-Fire when we plan to burn.
This all may sound like we are flying through things and are ready to plant, however we still have a long way to go to be ready by the time our first order of vines arrive in early 2023 (we will be planting Picpoul, Vermentino and Barbera in our firs 2.5 acre block). With a good plan in place and the support of our friends and family we may very well get the ground prepped, fenced and planted via elbow grease and the fantastic community without having to hire out any of the work.
Our grand plan is to be able to invite you all up to our place in the future to see the 5+ acres of vineyard developed, planted and farmed by us, taste wines in our tasting room, and enjoy all this wonderful area has to offer.
