The IWG consortium works with the knowledge that each part of the "grapes to wine" process is interdependent. Every vineyard challenge is assessed and met by combining the skills, experience, and opinions of the individual departments. It is this synergy that sets IWG apart.

Vineyard Design Dr. Daniel Roberts has said that he came up with the IWG concept specifically to "develop vineyards with minimum harm to soil and environment for the creation of excellent wines." In order to achieve this purpose, each vineyard design must be unique in that each vineyard's set of parameters differs radically. Functional harmony must exist between what is constructed and the eventual grape product. Other same-area vineyards are viewed and analyzed to avoid pitfalls and discover areas for production improvement. Cost-effective concepts are combined without sacrificing the ability to stand the stringent tests of time. Dr. Roberts describes the design process as the vineyard owner's "one chance to do it right." Vineyard Development The IWG consortium can lead the client through the three basic developmental steps, from conceptualization to the moment that the vines go in the ground. Design phase - the technical research that culminates in the selection of the custom vineyard blueprint design Engineering phase: Erosion control plans and permits Reservoir designs and permits Drainage designs and permits Irrigation designs Construction phase: Collection of bids and recommendations for the contractors and vendors to be used Land preparation and shaping Installation of the selected layout, irrigation systems, trellises,... and the planting of the vines IWG's singular goal in the development process is to insure that the end-product exactly matches the blueprint. That is the only way the vineyard can retain the integrity and reap the benefits of the original design. Vineyard Maintenance - Planning & Consulting As important as the design, planning, and installation stages are, it is the complex day-to-day vineyard operation and maintenance that is the backbone of any vineyard's lasting power. Proven operational systems recommended will vary according to vineyard size and output, as the specific needs of the client are met. IWG makes itself available to any owner/management questions that may arise long after systems are set in place. Dr. Daniel Roberts has spent 26 years establishing a long-standing and wide-reaching network within the industry. These connections are key in pointing owners toward the right personnel choices that fit the particular vineyard's profile. IWG works shoulder-to-shoulder, on site, with existing vineyard managers to create and implement any changes to operational procedures or practices. This imbedded style of consultation has earned the respect and trust of vineyard managers and owners alike. Site Evaluation Soil, climate, and the site's topography are evaluated by the IWG team. Soil pits (approx. 3 per acre) are dug and Dr. Paul Anamosa examines the soil's physical structure. Separate samples are taken for nematode and soil chemical analysis. Weather data (if available) on rainfall, temperature, and wind is analyzed by Dr. Mark Greenspan. All topographic aspects of the site are mapped by Mike Bobbit and Associates. The information gathered from the soil, climates, and mapping are synthesized into a vineyard design by Dr. Daniel Roberts, along with the rest of the IWG team. Vineyard Trouble-shooting Pre-purchase or after years of operation, owners have come to IWG for its immense knowledge base. IWG has been the eyes and ears for owners looking to purchase "fresh" acreage or fully operational vineyards. Pure data, alone, has led many owners to many poor investment decisions. The qualifications for coherent trouble-shooting is the ability to combine information gathered with experienced-based industry savvy. The IWG Consortium trains its collective eye to spot any: chemical or biological soil problems soil development problems climate problems plant material flaws or vineyard management inefficiencies Technical Viticultural Management The viticulture experts within the IWG Consortium turn collected data into practical, common sense practices leading to vineyard success and longevity. Petiole analysis Irrigation scheduling Pruning Canopy management Fertilization Fruit sampling Harvest decisions are all factors to be researched and analyzed. The resulting recommendations made are custom-designed to fit the profile of each vineyard's set of circumstances.