For: Location: 32720 SW Bell Rd, Sherwood OR 97140 T3S R2W Sec 11 Total Property Acreage: TL200 (39.7 acres), TL300 (19.84 acres), TL301 (59.99 acres) Gross Plantable Vineyard Acres (approximate): 90.0 et Plantable Vineyard Acres: Dependent upon vineyard layout, avenue width and degree of maximization. Typically 80-90% of gross plantable vineyard acres. AVA (American Viticultural Area): Chehalem Mountains Vineyard Soil Types Present (RCS Soil Survey): Laurelwood Silt Loam. A soil type commercially recognized for supporting high quality viticulture. This soil type is derived from wind-blown sediments and is characterized as a deep, very well drained vineyard soil. Slope/Aspect: 3-30% at either extreme. This property predominantly faces south to southeast with small aspects near the main ravine falling to the southwest. Slope is very moderate with the exception of the 9-10 acre wooded area at the southeast corner of the property which pushes the upper limit. There is also an area that is not currently being farmed directly below Residence #2 that may offer a slightly steeper slope in that immediate area, but still does not present a significant challenge to farming. Future vineyard blocks should be oriented such that rows are aligned with slope for ease of farming. Plantable aspects range from approximately 90 to 240 degrees of magnetic north. It does not appear that crawler-tracked equipment will be required to farm this site. Drainage: This soil type is naturally well-drained, but there may be areas where some spot tiling is required to reduce an isolated seasonal seep or where natural soil topography does not allow water to drain quickly. Drainage may also be required around the edges of the central ravine in order to maximize plantable ground in those areas. It is likely that some amount of subsurface drain tile is present given that this has been an active farm for many years. Further investigation is recommended.
For: Elevation: 380 to 790 above sea level appears to be the elevation range for this particular parcel. The southeast corner, which represents the low elevation mark for this property, is likely at risk of frost (see map) given the deep ravine that it is located in and what appears to be a lack of adequate cold air drainage in the immediate area. It is recommended that either a weather station or temperature recording thermometers are used in this lower area to record temperatures mainly between the months of April 1 st and October 31 st to determine if freezing temperatures are realized during the growing season. Microclimate: The property is located near other proven vineyard operations, which bodes well for the site s potential to produce high quality wine grapes. Although specific weather data for this site is not available, it is reasonable to assume that this site will have the potential to adequately ripen cool climate grape varieties such as Pinot noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris or similar, under proper management. Accessibility: This property is located a short distance away from Highway 99W, and is an approximate thirty minute drive from downtown Portland. Large trucks and farming equipment can easily access the property via Bell Road. The property also boarders Hells Canyon Road on the south which could present another possible access point into the property from below. Farmability : The overall size and rolling topography of this property should allow for large uniform vineyard blocks and efficient farming. This property lends itself well to the common forms of vineyard mechanization such as; mechanical hedging and deleafing, machine harvesting, multi-row applications, etc., provided that the vineyard is designed with this in mind. Irrigation: Although drip irrigation can help reduce variability in a vineyard s establishment period, occasionally help reduce vine stress in drought years and serve as an alternative means for applying fertilizer to vines; drip irrigation will likely not be a requirement for vine establishment. Further investigation is needed to determine if irrigation rights exists or are attainable. Summary: This is a beautiful, well maintained property with many very positive vineyard qualities. It is rare to find a parcel this large with this high a percentage of plantable vineyard acres, not to mention consistent soil type and scale. This property could present many opportunities for an estate vineyard/winery operation or vineyard operator interested in land with both production and high quality grape-growing capabilities.
RCS SOIL SURVEY MAP
790 ft. elev. SUITABLE VIEYARD AREA 90 Acres 90 Gross Acres Residence #1 Residence #2 Possible Frost/Drainage Concern Hells Canyon Rd 390 ft. elev.