Custom crush facilities are becoming a popular choice for grape growers who want to make wine without the hefty investment of building a full-scale winery. In this blog post, industry experts Ryan Horn from Vintner’s Vault and Greg Stokes from Ursa Vineyards and Bending Branch Winery share insights on this topic.
What Does It Mean to Have a Custom Crush?
A custom crush facility allows grape growers to turn their grapes into wine without owning a winery. These facilities offer a cost-effective solution by providing the necessary equipment and expertise. This setup helps growers create their own wine brands while avoiding large initial investments.
Ebbs and Flows
The wine industry experiences fluctuations in grape supply and demand. During times of oversupply, interest in custom crush facilities increases as growers look for ways to process excess fruit. This has been particularly noticeable in regions like California and Texas, where custom crush services have become important for many growers.
Alternative Proprietorship
An alternative proprietorship allows individuals to legally work on their wines within a custom crush facility. This setup requires a winemaking license, enabling growers to be hands-on in the process. However, setting up an alternative proprietorship can take several months, so plan ahead.
What Could Go Wrong?
One of the challenges of using a custom crush facility is managing unsold bulk wine. If a grower cannot sell their wine, it may become the responsibility of the facility, leading to financial risks. Contracts are essential in clearly defining the terms and expectations.
Minimum Accepted and Price Ranges per Bottle
Most custom crush facilities require a minimum quality of fruit to process in a single batch, such as two tons of grapes. The cost of producing wine varies based on factors like wine type and oak treatment, affecting the price per bottle. Smaller lots tend to have higher costs due to the complexity of production and storage.
If you want to learn more about a custom crush, check out https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/vu060.
