I have worked with many vineyard startups during the past decade and evaluated prospective vineyard sites for countless soon-to-be grapegrowers east of the Rocky Mountains. New growers often start growing grapes while working other jobs or after a previous career—frequently one not related to agriculture. The transition to grapegrower has a steep learning curve, and that is typically where the university or private vineyard advisor has the biggest impact on improving the success rate for vineyards.