Our winery consists of over 6000 square feet of indoor space and almost 1500 square feet of pad space outside as a crush pad for grape processing.  As we started planning our building, it was very important to consider the space requirements for equipment,  numerous processing needs and of course, barrel storage for proper aging.
 We wanted to make sure our layout encompassed all that we might want to do and offer in the future.  
We currently have over 2,000 gallons of wine in the winery in various stages of wine processing.  Some is in stainless steel tanks, some is aging in French oak barrels, and some is already bottled and cased, ready for shipment and tasting room sales.
     Now for those who have seen the math about gallonage to case, you'll realise 2,000 gallons is only about 835 cases, which is fine for us this year.  We are starting with baby steps with about 1,000 cases and eventually increasing case amounts to about 3,000 per year.  By the time we're producing that many cases a year, you'll hopefully be seeing our wine in wine stores such as BevMo and Beverage House, as well as fine restaurants throughout Tucson, Sierra Vista, Benson, and of course, our own little region of Sonoita.  I'd like to head to the Phoenix region too, when we get our facility up and running full bore!
     The production amounts Kevin and I have planned for Wilhelm Family Vineyards is actually only a small amount compared to what this facility can potentially handle.  We are also planning on branching into custom crush operations to allow other vineyards without the space or the processing equipment the opportunity to use Wilhelm Family Vineyards as the facility to process their fruit.  Furthermore, for the Wine Enthusiast Club members, we will also offer the chance to make wine of their own here at our facility, as well as design labels for special events/functions.  As the resident winemaker, I can assist as much or as little as the "visiting winemaker" would like.
     So,  Kevin and I do have a lot of big ideas and hopes for the future of Wilhelm Family Vineyards.  With the amount of available square footage, as well as the fruit processing equipment and storage we planned for and purchased, we have plenty of space inside for storage, fermentation, fruit and wine processing and even a designated bottling area.  We're looking forward to growing our own Hawk's Flight label, as well as expanding to fit the needs of other winemakers and grape growers. 
     Next time, you're in the Sonoita wine area, stop by and see us.  Come in for a tasting and ask me about a tour.  For those of you who have already had a tour, you'll probably agree it's a pretty big operation!  And thanks for the help with the Chardonnay bottling. :)