Farming Simulator 25 offers a mix of straightforward and intricate tasks. While activities like planting wheat, cultivating fields, and managing seasonal crops are fairly easy, growing grapes presents a unique challenge. However, creating a flourishing vineyard can be a rewarding experience. Once you become familiar with the necessary equipment and processes, grape farming can be incredibly profitable.
Optimal Times to Plant and Harvest Grapes
You can plant grapes from March to May and expect to harvest them in September and October. Outside of these windows, planting is not an option, and unharvested grapes will wither. If you’ve disabled seasonal growth, you can plant and harvest grapes anytime.
Essential Equipment for Your Vineyard
To establish a vineyard, you’ll need several specific machines. If you don’t already own some of the required equipment, the initial setup can be quite costly. Here’s a list of essential items and their prices:
You can purchase everything in one section of the store. Head to the shop, select the middle option labeled Packs, and then choose grapes for all necessary items.
| Item | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rex 4 GT | $39,500 | A suitable tractor that can maneuver in tight spaces—especially important for a vineyard. |
| Braud 9070L | $242,000 | The primary harvester specifically designed for grape harvesting. |
| MP 122 OCEA | $16,000 | This pre-pruner prepares your vines for the next harvest by trimming them after each cycle. |
| MERCURY 4000L | $28,000 | A liquid fertilizer sprayer that enhances grape yield, worth the investment. |
| MRWK 6000 | $16,500 | A tipper specifically designed for transporting grapes. |
| TMC CANCELA | $4,500 | A mulcher used to keep your vines from overgrowing. |
| AGRISEM | $7,500 | A subsoiler for preparing rows without disturbing your grapevines. |
Total Equipment Cost: $354,000
This total does not cover the cost of the grapevines, which can vary based on how you design your layout. You should expect around $370,000 for a decent-sized vineyard.
Selecting a Location for Your Vineyard
Before anything else, you need to identify a suitable area for your vineyard. A large, flat space is ideal, although you can afford some flexibility with a vineyard compared to other crops requiring a perfectly flat surface.
When planting the grapevines, use the first selection for the start of the row and the second for the end. Aim to place them as close to each other as possible, making each subsequent row tightly spaced.
Mulching Between the Rows
The mulcher is only necessary if there’s overgrowth between your rows. If you encounter this issue, operate the mulcher between rows to maintain proper growth.
Cultivating Between the Rows
For this task, you’ll need to use the subsoiler instead of a traditional cultivator since standard equipment may not fit in the narrow spaces between your grapevines. The subsoiler will accomplish the job that a regular cultivator would do in a wider setup.
Applying Liquid Fertilizer
As soon as your grapevines begin sprouting leaves, it’s time to apply liquid fertilizer. Attach the MERCURY 4000L to your tractor, fill it up with fertilizer, and drive through your vineyard’s rows while spraying. This practice will significantly boost your grape yield, making the effort worthwhile.
Harvesting Grapes at the Right Moment
When your grapes are ripe, it’s time to use the grape harvester. Unfold it to raise the collection mechanism from the ground. Activate the harvester and carefully guide it through the rows of grapevines, allowing the machine to collect grapes as you drive straight down each row. Depending on your vineyard’s size, you may need to make multiple trips.
When your harvester fills up, position it close to the tipper to unload. Each load will fill half the tipper’s capacity, so once the tipper is full, sell your grapes.
Selling Grapes or Processing Them into Juice or Raisins?
You have the option to sell your grapes immediately or process them into grape juice or raisins. To check the current market prices, refer to the menu above your settings for the best offers available. If you choose to process your grapes further, locate a grape processing unit to convert them into juice or raisins, then sell these products using the same pricing strategy.
Preparing Your Vineyard for the Next Harvest
Once you’ve completed all the other tasks, you’ll want to address any yellowing leaves in your vineyard. Use your tractor, attach the pre-pruner, unfold it, and activate it. This tool will help you trim off any dead leaves, keeping your vineyard healthy and ready for the next harvest season.
