| Well, we started out like you. We like to wine taste so whenever we are doing so we ask A LOT OF QUESTIONS. We have made friends with a few winemakers who are always willing to share their knowledge. I'll try to answer some of your questions: No, you do not amend the soil. It just has to be "ripped" to about 2-3 feet. A little compost is added at planting time just to the hole. Local (northern/central CA) grape vine growers will assist you with the type of rootstock you should purchase. They are very familiar with Temecula and will give their recommendations. Look around to see what everyone is growing. We chose what we like: Cabernet, Cabernet Franc and Syrah. No Pierce's Disease is not a big problem at this time. Read a few beginnners' books. My DH gave me a book "From Vines to Wine" by Jeff Cox that has everything you would need to know to start a home vineyard. He grows in Northern CA but has a good list of suppliers and grape growers that can be utilized for our area. There is a local winegrowers association in Temecula - I can't remember the name of it right now but they meet at the Glen Oaks Hills clubhouse. We got the info from the winemaker at Black Foot Winery on Glen Oaks Road. When we decide to live on our property full time we plan to get involved with them. GOOD LUCK!!!! (It's a lot of hard work if you plan to do it all yourself) | 
