Vineyard Underground: Recent Episodes
Fritz Westover
What if you could hang out with experienced grape growers, ask them about the science of grape growing, vineyard operations, and more; then take an insight or two to improve your vineyard and ultimately the quality of the wines you produce? That’s what we do each week on the Vineyard Underground. Hosted by Fritz Westover –– viticulture expert more than 20 years of experience in the vineyard industry –– every episode is an in-depth look at grape growing methods, care, and even complicated matters of fertilization and pest and disease management? The goal is to provide you with an understanding of the complicated aspects of viticulture science so that experienced and even first-time grape growers will be able to understand and implement new practices in their vineyard.
In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz talks with Dr. Mark Krasnow of Thoughtful Viticulture about how to tell real vine stress from false alarms in the vineyard.
Mark explains why grapevines are often tougher than they look and breaks stress into three main categories: water, heat, and wind. He and Fritz highlight common misreads and show how these assumptions lead to overwatering, shallow roots, excess vigor, and higher disease risk.
The conversation focuses on using data instead of guesswork, pairing tools such as pressure bombs, porometers, and soil moisture probes so growers can set meaningful irrigation thresholds. Mark also shares why he prefers early-season water stress for red varieties to influence berry size and phenolics, while keeping vines better supplied after veraison.
They compare stress responses in young versus mature vines and touch on Mark's work with powdery mildew spore monitoring, which suggests many early-season sprays may be unnecessary.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why grapevines are often more resilient than growers assume
- How overwatering can create shallow roots, excess vigor, and more disease risk
- The difference between perceived water stress and measured stress
- How to pair soil moisture probes with pressure bomb readings to set a real "red line" for irrigation
- Why early-season water stress can improve red wine quality when managed correctly
- How vine age affects stress tolerance and root development
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
If you're starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, visit https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/growsmart to get Fritz's online Prospective Winegrape Grower Course to help you get your vineyard planned and planted correctly from the start. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to save $89.99 as a thank you for being a podcast listener.
Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today's Guest:
Dr. Mark Krasnow is a renowned plant physiologist and consultant and the founder of Thoughtful Viticulture – a company that helps vineyards grow the highest quality fruit in the most sustainable and efficient manner possible.
Connect with Mark at thoughtfulviticulture.com and follow him @drkraz or on his blog https://www.thoughtfulviticulture.com/blog.
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by HydroGeo Environmental and SensorInsight.
Thank you to HydroGeo Environmental for sponsoring today's episode. For over 20 years, Bubba Beasley and his team have helped vineyard growers with site assessments, mapping, soil and groundwater evaluations, and optimal vineyard layouts. Using the latest technology and industry expertise, HydroGeo brings clarity to even the most complex landscapes. Visit HydroGeoEnvironmental.com and mention the Vineyard Underground podcast for a special discount on your service.
Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today's episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don't forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this conversation, Fritz continues his deep dive with Thijs Verschuuren of Herman J. Wiemer, exploring practical baby steps toward biodynamic and organic vineyard management. Thijs walks through how he structures a non-systemic spray program in a high-disease-pressure region, breaking down critical spray timing, coverage strategies, and why he treats bloom and cap fall as "non-negotiable" spray windows.
They discuss how Thijs combines copper, sulfur, plant teas, biologicals, and newer tools like chitosan-based fungicides and kaolin clay to target downy mildew, black rot, powdery mildew, and leafhoppers, while staying within strict copper limits and managing livestock safety.
Fritz and Thijs also cover biodynamic teas, how forecasting and 48‑hour brews fit into a preventive program, and why daily scouting and mapping disease "pockets" are essential. The conversation concludes with canopy management, pruning, mechanization, and thoughtful leaf removal that maintain disease control without sacrificing the acidity and fruit quality of Riesling and Chardonnay on the path to Demeter certification.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why spray timing and coverage matter more than product choice in organic and biodynamic programs
- How to integrate copper, sulfur, oils, chitosan, and kaolin clay while respecting label limits and site conditions
- Practical strategies for managing downy mildew, black rot, and powdery mildew with a mostly protectant toolbox
- How biodynamic teas and preparations fit into a preventive, weather‑driven vineyard health program
- Daily scouting, mapping, and localized spraying as core tools to limit disease spread and input use
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Today's Guest:
Thijs Verschuuren is the Director of Vineyard Biology & Biodynamic Specialist at Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard in upstate New York.
Connect with Thijs at https://www.wiemer.com/ or follow him at hermannjwiemer.
Resources:
Come grow with Fritz at https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by Clemens and HydroGeo Environmental.
Thank you to Clemens Technologies for sponsoring today's episode. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions.
Thank you to HydroGeo Environmental for sponsoring today's episode. For over 20 years, Bubba Beasley and his team have helped vineyard growers with site assessments, mapping, soil and groundwater evaluations, and optimal vineyard layouts. Using the latest technology and industry expertise, HydroGeo brings clarity to even the most complex landscapes. Visit HydroGeoEnvironmental.com and mention the Vineyard Underground podcast for a special discount on your service.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, we dig into what it really looks like to take manageable, real-world steps toward biodynamic and organic winegrowing with Thijs (Taze) Verschuuren, Director of Vineyard Biology and biodynamic specialist at Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard in New York's Finger Lakes.
We follow Thijs's path from European wine regions to the Finger Lakes and unpack the make-or-break 2018 season. That side‑by‑side contrast pushed the team to fully embrace biodynamics and pursue Demeter certification.
We break down biodynamics in practical terms: treating the farm as a living, self-sustaining organism that integrates cover crops, livestock, compost, and on-farm preparations to build resilience from the soil up. Then we zoom into vineyard floor management as an accessible entry point, showing how diverse clover mixes, smarter mowing vs. crimping decisions, and minimal cultivation helped boost soil organic matter from ~1.7% to over 6% in about seven years — one "baby step" at a time.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why a wet 2018 season pushed Hermann J. Wiemer to deepen its biodynamic commitment
- How biodynamics differs from organics in philosophy and farm design
- A practical framework for cover crops (especially clovers) to build organic matter and vine resilience
- When to mow, when to crimp, and why there's no "set-it-and-forget-it" spray or floor program
- Baby-step starting points: soil testing, cover cropping, and small-scale animal integration
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Today's Guest:
Thijs Verschuuren is the Director of Vineyard Biology & Biodynamic Specialist at Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard in upstate New York.
Connect with Thijs at https://www.wiemer.com/ or follow him at hermannjwiemer.
Resources:
Come grow with Fritz at https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by Clemens and HydroGeo Environmental.
Thank you to Clemens Technologies for sponsoring today's episode. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions.
Thank you to HydroGeo Environmental for sponsoring today's episode. For over 20 years, Bubba Beasley and his team have helped vineyard growers with site assessments, mapping, soil and groundwater evaluations, and optimal vineyard layouts. Using the latest technology and industry expertise, HydroGeo brings clarity to even the most complex landscapes. Visit HydroGeoEnvironmental.com and mention the Vineyard Underground podcast for a special discount on your service.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
We mark a major milestone with our 100th episode by stepping back to look at where the vineyard industry has been and where it's headed next. Fritz walks us through what's in, what's out, and what's coming for growers who want to stay profitable and resilient.
We start with the changing economics of grape growing. Planting Cab, Merlot, or Syrah on speculation no longer pencils out in an oversupplied market. Instead, we focus on matching varieties to region, climate (including future climate), water availability, disease pressure, and a clearly defined sales channel.
From there, we connect vineyard design to labor and equipment realities. We move away from high‑input, labor‑intensive layouts and toward simpler, mechanization‑friendly systems that can eventually support autonomous tools.
We then turn to the vineyard floor, moving from bare soil and blanket herbicide programs to living systems built around cover crops, reduced tillage, and grazing with sheep. By the end, we have a clear picture of the practices that are fading, the ones gaining momentum, and the directions we can embrace to stay ahead in the next decade of grape growing.
We look forward to the next 100 episodes!
In this episode, you will hear:
- Planting on speculation is out; committed buyers and clear sales channels are in
- Variety selection must fit climate, water, disease pressure, and market identity
- High-input, labor-intensive designs are giving way to mechanization‑friendly trellis systems and layouts
- Soil and irrigation should be managed as one integrated system
- Living vineyard floors are key to long‑term soil health
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Come grow with Fritz at https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by Vigneron Toy Store and HydroGeo Environmental.
Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today's episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% on in-stock machines by entering the promo code Underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
Thank you to HydroGeo Environmental for sponsoring today's episode. For over 20 years, Bubba Beasley and his team have helped vineyard growers with site assessments, mapping, soil and groundwater evaluations, and optimal vineyard layouts. Using the latest technology and industry expertise, HydroGeo brings clarity to even the most complex landscapes. Visit HydroGeoEnvironmental.com and mention the Vineyard Underground podcast for a special discount on your service.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Dr. Katie Gold and Dave Combs from Cornell University join Fritz to unpack one of the most confusing topics facing winegrape growers today: how biological fungicides truly fit into a spray program.
Katie explains how the Cornell grape pathology program has expanded rapidly, moving from strictly conventional efficacy trials into extensive work with biologicals as more of these products come out of R&D pipelines. She outlines why growers can't rely on "the next new conventional" anymore and how biologicals are becoming essential tools for sustainable disease management and resistance stewardship.
Dave brings decades of field experience and shares how his initial skepticism about biologicals shifted after seeing modern products perform on highly disease‑prone varieties in one of the toughest vineyards for powdery mildew, downy mildew, black rot, and bunch rots. Together, they walk through what "compatibility" really means and why water pH, formulation, and whether an organism is alive or dead matter far more than many growers realize.
Listeners learn why mixing biologicals and conventionals in the same tank often provides no added control (and may waste money), where negative interactions can show up, and why tightening intervals and understanding infection periods is critical when working with protectant biologicals.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why more new products in the pipeline are biologicals rather than conventional chemistries
- How Cornell's high‑pressure pathology vineyard reveals the real-world limits and strengths of biologicals
- Why many biologicals are strictly protectants and must be applied before significant disease is present
- How tank mixing biologicals with conventionals can reduce cost-effectiveness without improving control
- Why understanding water chemistry, pH, and product formulation is now an essential spray-program strategy
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Come grow with Fritz at https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today's Guest:
Dr. Katie Gold is an Assistant Professor of Grape Pathology at Cornell University, where she holds primary research and extension responsibilities for grape disease management in New York State.
Dave Combs is a Research & Extension Support Specialist II in Dr. Katie Gold's Grape Pathology Laboratory at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, New York, with 20+ years of experience in chemical and cultural grape disease management.
Connect with Katie: https://cals.cornell.edu/kaitlin-gold
Visit the Gold Lab to view their research work: https://blogs.cornell.edu/goldlab/
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by Shellt Grow Tubes and Vigneron Toy Store
Thank you to Shellt Grow Tubes for sponsoring today's episode. Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders, plus free shipping within the continental United States.
Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today's episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code Underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Small vineyard decisions made early in the season can create major ripple effects later in the year, and in this episode, Fritz breaks down three vineyard management tasks that are frequently skipped, delayed, or underestimated despite their outsized impact on vine health, fruit quality, and long-term vineyard performance.
Fritz focuses first on shoot thinning and explains why timing is everything. He walks through the economic and practical advantages of thinning early, including improved spray penetration, better airflow, easier hand harvesting, and even reduced pruning labor during dormancy.
He then explains why bloom and veraison sampling windows are critical for understanding nutrient status and preventing deficiencies before they become costly problems. Lastly, he tackles water stress monitoring and the common misconceptions surrounding vineyard stress.
Listen in for practical ways growers can monitor irrigation effectiveness, evaluate soil moisture, and avoid relying solely on visual assumptions about vine stress levels. Remember, better data leads to better vineyard decisions.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Early shoot thinning can improve fruit quality, airflow, spray coverage, and long-term pruning efficiency
- Delayed shoot thinning increases labor costs and creates more winter pruning wounds susceptible to trunk disease
- Tissue sampling at bloom and veraison helps growers identify nutrient deficiencies before productivity suffers
- Leaf blade sampling may provide more reliable nutrient data than petiole sampling for many nutrients
- Water stress should be monitored with both field observation and measurable soil moisture data
- Excess vigor, nutrient imbalance, weather extremes, fungal disease, and insects can all contribute to flower browning during bloom
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Get Fritz's Shoot Thinning, Tissue Sampling, and Plant Stress resources available for podcast listeners at VirtualViticulureAcademy.com/tasks.
Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by SensorInsight and Clemens Technologies.
Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today's episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don't forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Thank you to Clemens Technologies for sponsoring today's episode. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
We are back with another solo episode! Fritz dives into the world of Reddit viticulture advice to separate helpful guidance from misleading recommendations. Using real vineyard and winemaking questions pulled from Reddit threads, Fritz evaluates the quality of the responses while adding his own professional perspective.
The episode covers a wide range of vineyard topics, but throughout it, Fritz highlights an important lesson for growers at every level: context matters. Many online answers contain kernels of truth, but successful vineyard management depends on site conditions, climate, soil, vine age, regional disease pressure, and long-term goals. He explains why broad internet advice often lacks the specificity growers actually need to make confident decisions.
Listeners will come away with a fresh perspective on vineyard establishment, irrigation management, pruning strategies, disease prevention, and realistic expectations for small-scale winegrowing projects.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Establishing vineyards in cool climates like the UK and Northern Europe
- PIWI grape varieties and disease-resistant planting strategies
- Realistic timelines for vineyard establishment and first harvests
- Challenges of starting and managing a small hobby vineyard
- Irrigation management for young vines during extreme summer heat
- Reviving neglected Frontenac and Edelweiss vineyards in the Midwest
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
If you're starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, visit https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/growsmart to get Fritz's online Prospective Winegrape Grower Course to help you get your vineyard planned and planted correctly from the start. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to save $89.99 as a thank you for being a podcast listener.
Get more information from Fritz about soil moisture sensors – types of sensors, location and placement, installation, and understanding soil monitoring data at https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/sensor.
Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by Vintner's Vault and Vigneron Toy Store.
Thank you to Vintner's Vault for sponsoring today's episode! Vintner's Vault is the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers, who are also winemakers. Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order, or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages, and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you.
Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today's episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code Underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are powerful tools that can dramatically influence vine performance, but they also come with complexity and risk. In this episode, Fritz welcomes back Dr. Matthew W. Fidelibus of UC Davis to explore how these compounds are used across table, raisin, and wine grape production.
Dr. Fidelibus explains that PGRs include both naturally occurring plant hormones and synthetic compounds that mimic hormonal effects. While they've long been foundational in table grape production, their use in winegrapes is far less common and more nuanced. The conversation highlights how sensitivity to timing, rate, and variety is critical, with even small misapplications potentially affecting fruit set, bud development, or yields across multiple seasons.
Fritz and Dr. Fidelibus dig into specific compounds like gibberellic acid, abscisic acid, and ethephon, discussing how they can influence berry size, cluster architecture, color development, and ripening. They also explore emerging research on improving color in virus-affected vineyards, delaying ripening in warm climates, and even modifying aroma profiles.
A key takeaway is that PGRs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They require careful evaluation, regulatory compliance, and, ideally, small-scale trials before broader use. For growers facing challenges like poor fruit set, uneven ripening, or compact clusters, these tools may offer targeted solutions — but only when used with precision and a strong understanding of vine physiology.
Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of both the potential and the pitfalls of incorporating PGRs into vineyard management.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Overview of plant growth regulators and how they influence vine physiology
- Historical use of PGRs in table and raisin grape production
- Key compounds like gibberellic acid, abscisic acid, and ethephon
- Applications for cluster thinning, berry sizing, and color development
- Challenges and risks of using PGRs in winegrapes
- Emerging research, including virus mitigation and ripening control
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Come grow with Fritz through https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today's Guest:
Dr. Matthew W. Fidelibus is an extension specialist in the Department of Viticulture and Enology, UC Davis.
Connect with Matthew and view his research – https://wineserver.ucdavis.edu/people/matthew-fidelibus#/ or follow him at https://bsky.app/profile/viticulture.bsky.social
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by Clemens Technologies and SensorInsight.
Thank you to Clemens Technologies for sponsoring today's episode. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions.
Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today's episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don't forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Organic grape production is gaining momentum, but making the transition from conventional farming requires careful planning, patience, and a willingness to adapt. In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz welcomes Rob Warren, owner and operator of Desert Willow Vineyard and Warren Farms in Seminole, Texas, to share his experience converting his vineyard to certified organic production.
Rob explains how his agricultural background in organic row crops gave him experience with organic systems long before he applied those principles to grape growing. As consumer demand began to shift toward more natural and sustainably produced wines, wineries started seeking organic fruit, prompting Rob to pursue certification.
During the conversation, Fritz and Rob walk through the realities of transitioning a vineyard to organic management. Rob discusses the three-year certification timeline, the importance of documenting the final use of conventional inputs, and the need for growers to rethink pest, disease, and weed management strategies.
A major focus of the episode is that Rob uses sheep in the vineyard. The sheep help control weeds, provide natural fertilization, and even assist with canopy management by removing leaves in the fruiting zone.
Throughout the episode, Rob provides honest background information on the challenges and the long-term benefits of improved soil health and stronger vine resilience.
For vineyard owners considering organic production, this episode offers practical guidance and real-world lessons from a grower who has successfully made the switch.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Market demand from wineries and consumers increasingly favors organic grape production
- Weed management is often the biggest early challenge when moving away from conventional herbicides
- Sheep can play a valuable role in weed control, fertilization, and canopy leaf removal
- Organic pest and disease control often requires more frequent monitoring and spray applications
- Soil health improvements through cover crops and livestock integration strengthen long-term vineyard resilience
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Register for Fritz's live, virtual two‑day Early Season Vineyard Management Bootcamp on April 22nd and 23rd.
Come grow with Fritz through https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today's Guest:
Rob Warren is the owner and operator of Desert Willow Vineyard and Warren Farms in Seminole, Texas, and a leading innovator in regenerative and organic vineyard management and farming.
Connect with Rob:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desertwillowvineyard
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertwillowvineyard/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrjWaulJw7tATQC3trzhPJQ
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by Clemens Technologies and Sunridge Nurseries.
Thank you to Clemens Technologies for sponsoring today's episode. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions.
Thank you to Sunridge Nurseries for sponsoring today's episode. Sunridge Nurseries is the exclusive nursery sponsor of the Vineyard Underground podcast. They have been a family-owned company for over 45 years, and their dedicated focus on quality and consistency has grown them into the largest supplier of grapevines in both North and South America and the industry leader in nursery standards. Visit them today at SunridgeNurseries.com and mention the code Underground to receive a podcast listener discount on your vine order.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this final installment of the Vineyard Nutrition Essentials series, Fritz is joined by Dr. Jaclyn Fiola, Assistant Professor of Soil and Environmental Science at Delaware Valley University, to unpack the critical role magnesium plays in vineyard health and productivity. Building on prior discussions around potassium, the conversation explores how magnesium functions as a key macronutrient, particularly as the central component of chlorophyll and a driver of photosynthesis and energy transfer in grapevines.
Dr. Fiola explains that magnesium primarily originates from soil minerals, especially in darker, magnesium-rich parent materials, and that soil characteristics such as pH, texture, moisture, and cation exchange capacity influence its availability. There is a delicate balance between magnesium, potassium, and calcium, and nutrient competition can lead to deficiencies even when soil levels appear adequate.
Listeners will learn how to identify magnesium deficiency symptoms, including interveinal chlorosis in older leaves, and why these symptoms typically emerge later in the growing season. The episode also underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis through soil and tissue testing to avoid mismanagement.
Listen now to learn the important role of magnesium in your vineyard.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Magnesium as a core component of chlorophyll and photosynthesis
- Soil pH, texture, and moisture driving nutrient availability
- Competition between magnesium, potassium, and calcium
- Late-season deficiency symptoms and how to recognize them
- Importance of tissue testing for accurate diagnosis
- Pre-plant and in-season magnesium correction strategies
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Visit www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/sampling to access Fritz's how-to guides and videos for proper sampling and target nutrient values.
Listen to Dr. Jaclyn Fiola's previous podcast episode (episode 73) to learn about the role of potassium in vineyards.
Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Come grow with Fritz through https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today's Guest:
Dr. Jaclyn Fiola is a soil scientist who specializes in vineyard soils and soil science pedagogy. She works as an Assistant Professor of Soil and Environmental Science at Delaware Valley University.
Connect with Jaclyn, follow her, and view her research.
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by Vigneron Toy Store and Shellt Grow Tubes.
Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today's episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code Underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
Thank you to Shellt Grow Tubes for sponsoring today's episode. Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders, plus free shipping within the continental United States.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Phosphorus may not grab attention like nitrogen or potassium, but it plays a foundational role in vine growth, fruit set, and overall vineyard performance. In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz welcomes Dr. Terry Bates, Senior Research Associate at Cornell University and Director of the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Lab for Cornell AgriTech, for a deep dive into phosphorus fundamentals.
Drawing on decades of research in plant nutrition and root biology, Dr. Bates explains what phosphorus is, where it comes from, and why it is essential for grapevines at the cellular level. From its role in energy transfer and DNA structure to its influence on root growth and fruit development, phosphorus is woven into nearly every aspect of vine physiology.
Vineyard owners and operators will walk away with useful guidance on managing phosphorus efficiently while protecting both yield and long-term soil health.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Phosphorus drives energy transfer, root development, and fruit set
- Soil pH directly impacts phosphorus availability and uptake
- Mycorrhizal fungi are essential partners in grapevine phosphorus nutrition
- Excess phosphorus application wastes money and reduces efficiency
- Tissue sampling helps balance nutrient supply, uptake, and vine demand
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Visit www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/sampling to access Fritz's how-to guides and videos for proper sampling and target nutrient values.
Learn more about Mycorrhizal Fungi in Episode 75 - The Importance of Mycorrhizal Fungi for Vineyard Health with Dr. R. Paul Schreiner.
Come grow with Fritz through https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today's Guest:
Dr. Terry Bates is the Senior Research Associate at Cornell University and the Director of the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Lab for Cornell AgriTech.
Connect with Terry
· Cornell Research & Publications - https://cals.cornell.edu/people/terry-bates
· The Efficient Vineyard Project - https://www.efficientvineyard.com/
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by Shellt Grow Tubes and Bahco Tools.
Thank you to Shellt Grow Tubes for sponsoring today's episode. Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders, plus free shipping within the continental United States.
Thank you to Bahco Tools for sponsoring today's episode. As innovators for more than 165 years, Bahco has introduced the most advanced tools in the world, and Bahco products are manufactured in factories across Europe. I exclusively prune with the Bahco ERGO™ Bypass Secateurs with Elastomer Coated Fixed Handle (size medium). Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with loppers, hedging tools, cutting blades, files, and more.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this first installment of a three-part vineyard nutrition series, Dr. Markus Keller joins us to break down one of the most influential nutrients in vineyard management: nitrogen. We explore from the ground up.
Dr. Keller explains what nitrogen is, where it comes from in vineyard soils, and why it plays such a critical role in vine growth, fruit set, and overall vine performance. While nitrogen makes up 78% of the atmosphere, vines rely on soil processes to convert it into plant-available forms like nitrate.
Dr. Keller details how nitrogen influences vigor, canopy density, fruit set, berry size, phenolic development, and even wine quality. The episode also dives into how soil type, organic matter, temperature, moisture, and cover crops affect nitrogen availability. For growers across diverse regions, this conversation highlights why vineyard nutrition strategies must be site-specific.
Whether you're managing high-vigor blocks or navigating lean soils, episode one of our three-part series equips vineyard owners and operators with foundational knowledge to make smarter nitrogen decisions.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Nitrogen primarily comes from soil organic matter, not rock minerals
- Microbial activity drives nitrogen availability in vineyards
- Both deficiency and excess nitrogen can reduce vine balance and fruitfulness
- Soil moisture and temperature strongly influence nitrogen mineralization
- Leaf blade tissue sampling offers improved precision for nitrogen analysis
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Visit www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/sampling to access Fritz's how-to guides and videos for proper sampling and target nutrient values.
Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today's Guest:
Dr. Markus Keller is a Distinguished Professor in Viticulture at Washington State University, a renowned viticulture researcher, and the author of The Science of Grapevines – a top reference book in the industry. He is also the Project Director for the seven-institution High Resolution Vineyard Nutrient Management Project.
Connect with Markus:
· Dr. Markus Keller - WSU Research & Publications - https://wine.wsu.edu/faculty/markus-keller/
· High Resolution Vineyard Nutrient Management Project - https://highresvineyardnutrition.com
· Order The Science of Grapevines 4th Edition - https://a.co/d/00UpfN1f
· Listen to the HiRes Vineyard Nutrition Podcast - https://highresvineyardnutrition.com/podcast/
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by Bahco Tools and Shellt Grow Tubes.
Thank you to Bahco Tools for sponsoring today's episode. As innovators for more than 165 years, Bahco has introduced the most advanced tools in the world, and Bahco products are manufactured in factories across Europe. I exclusively prune with the Bahco ERGO™ Bypass Secateurs with Elastomer Coated Fixed Handle (size medium). Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with loppers, hedging tools, cutting blades, files, and more.
Thank you to Shellt Grow Tubes for sponsoring today's episode. Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders, plus free shipping within the continental United States.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
How many incredible grape varieties are hiding in plain sight — simply because they don't fit the modern wine script? We dig into that question in this episode with Jenny and Scott Schultz of Sonoma's Jolie-Laide Wines, a winery built around chasing the unfamiliar and turning "pretty ugly" grapes into seriously compelling wines.
We trace how Jenny and Scott's very different paths collided into a shared philosophy: start with great farming, intervene as little as possible, and let each site and vintage tell its own story. For vineyard owners and operators, the conversation opens up a practical discussion about risk, opportunity, and how alternative varieties can make both agronomic and economic sense.
We also get inside their cellar to talk about what "minimal intervention" really means — early picking for natural acidity, whole-cluster fermentations, neutral barrels and concrete, and a deliberate refusal to erase vintage character. Even the labels change every year, reinforcing the idea that wine is an agricultural product, not a factory formula.
The discussion dives into grapes like Melon de Bourgogne, Trousseau Gris, Scheurebe, and Mondeuse Noir, unpacking how they grow, how they're vinified, and why they deserve a bigger spotlight. It's a conversation about curiosity, craft, and what becomes possible when we stop playing it safe with varieties.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why Jolie-Laide focuses on rare and overlooked grape varieties
- Working with growers to graft or plant unconventional grapes
- Minimal intervention winemaking and whole-cluster fermentations
- Farming considerations for low-alcohol, high-acid styles
- Blending, carbonic fermentation, and managing tannin and structure
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Come grow with Fritz through https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today's Guest:
Jenny and Scott Schultz are the founders and winemakers for the acclaimed Jolie-Laide Winery in Sonoma, California.
Connect with Jenny and Scott:
https://jolielaidewines.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jolielaidewines
https://www.facebook.com/jolielaidewines/
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by Vintner's Vault and Shellt Grow Tubes.
Thank you to Vintner's Vault for sponsoring today's episode! Vintner's Vault is the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers, who are also winemakers. Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order, or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages, and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you.
Thank you to Shellt Grow Tubes for sponsoring today's episode. Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders, plus free shipping within the continental United States.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Some of the world's most valuable vineyard lessons are rooted in vines that predate modern viticulture. In this conversation, we are joined by Dr. Laura Catena to explore Argentina's remarkable legacy of old, ungrafted vines and what they reveal about vine genetics, site expression, and long-term resilience.
Drawing on her experience, Dr. Catena explains why phylloxera never devastated many Argentine vineyards and how this unique history allowed ancient vine material to survive. The discussion dives into massale selection from old vines, highlighting why genetic diversity matters — especially as vineyard owners contend with climate stress, disease pressure, and the limits of clonal uniformity.
We also examine the role of Argentina's high-altitude growing regions and how elevation influences vine physiology, flavor development, and vineyard health. These extreme sites have become a living laboratory for research, helping match plant material to specific conditions and improving long-term vineyard performance.
Dr. Catena shares information from the Catena Institute of Wine's ongoing research and how data-driven approaches can elevate both vineyard decisions and wine quality. For growers managing heritage blocks or considering massale selection in new plantings, this episode offers a compelling blend of history, science, and practical guidance — showing how preserving the past can be a powerful strategy for building the vineyards of the future.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why Argentina has some of the world's oldest ungrafted vineyards
- The role of massale selection in preserving genetic diversity
- How old vines contribute to resilience and site expression
- The impact of altitude and climate on vine health and quality
- Applying research-driven insights to modern vineyard management
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Come grow with Fritz through https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today's Guest:
Dr. Laura Catena is a Harvard University graduate with a Medical Doctor degree from Stanford University. She is a fourth-generation Argentine vintner at the award-winning Bodega Catena Zapata, a passionate vineyard researcher, a practicing part-time emergency medicine physician, and an author. And, in 1995, she founded the Catena Institute of Wine with the vision of making Argentine wines that could stand with the best wines in the world.
Bodega Catena Zapata:
- Website - https://catenazapata.com/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/catenawines/
- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/CatenaMalbec
Catena Institute of Wine:
- Website - https://www.catenainstitute.com/
- X - https://x.com/CatenaScience
Dr Laura Catena:
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lauracatenamd/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-laura-catena-054987195/
- Books - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B005H53YWY?ccs_id=4d0248ba-4f00-4c70-b68f-daf91c441439
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by Sunridge Nurseries and Bahco.
Thank you to Sunridge Nurseries for sponsoring today's episode. Sunridge Nurseries is the exclusive nursery sponsor of the Vineyard Underground podcast. They have been a family-owned company for over 45 years, and their dedicated focus on quality and consistency has grown them into the largest supplier of grapevines in both North and South America and the industry leader in nursery standards. Visit them today at SunridgeNurseries.com and mention the code Underground to receive a podcast listener discount on your vine order.
Thank you to Bahco Tools for sponsoring today's episode. As innovators for more than 165 years, Bahco has introduced the most advanced tools in the world, and Bahco products are manufactured in factories across Europe. I exclusively prune with the Bahco ERGO™ Bypass Secateurs with Elastomer Coated Fixed Handle (size medium). Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with loppers, hedging tools, cutting blades, files, and more.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Planting a vineyard is a major investment, and the decisions made before the first vine goes into the ground can determine long-term success or costly failure. In this episode, Fritz sits down with renowned viticulture expert Dr. Mark Greenspan to unpack the most common red flags vineyard owners and operators should watch for when planning a new planting.
Drawing on more than three decades of scientific research and hands-on field experience, Dr. Greenspan explains why many vineyard problems originate long before planting day. Fritz and Dr. Greenspan also discuss the dangers of relying on assumptions or neighboring vineyard performance instead of site-specific data and professional evaluation.
Listeners will learn why thorough pre-plant assessments — including soil testing, climate analysis, and thoughtful rootstock and variety selection — are essential risk management tools rather than optional steps. This episode is especially valuable for growers considering new vineyard development, replanting existing blocks, or expanding acreage. By understanding these early warning signs, listeners can make more informed decisions, avoid expensive mistakes, and set their vineyards up for sustainable productivity and profitability.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Common red flags that signal potential vineyard failure before planting
- Why site-specific soil and climate data matter more than assumptions
- Risks of poor variety and rootstock selection
- The long-term cost of cutting corners during vineyard planning
- Practical steps to reduce risk and improve vineyard performance
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Register for Fritz's FREE live virtual pruning event, Snip Happens: Pruning Mistakes & Fixes on January 29th at noon Central, and make sure you and your team can spot, fix, and avoid pruning mistakes this season.
If you're starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, visit VirtualViticulureAcademy.com/growsmart to get Fritz's online Prospective Winegrape Grower Course to help you get your vineyard planned and planted correctly from the start. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to save $89.00 as a thank you for being a podcast listener.
If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today's Guest:
Mark Greenspan is a viticulture expert with 3 decades of scientific, technical, and field experience. He is a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA), Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg), and licensed Pest Control Advisor (PCA) in California and the founder of Advanced Viticulture, a leading vineyard services company in California.
Learn more about Advanced Viticulture or connect with Mark:
https://advancedvit.com/
https://www.instagram.com/advanced_viticulture/
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by HydroGeo Environmental and Bahco Tools.
Thank you to HydroGeo Environmental for sponsoring today's episode. For over 20 years, Bubba Beasley and his team have helped vineyard growers with site assessments, mapping, soil and groundwater evaluations, and optimal vineyard layouts. Using the latest technology and industry expertise, HydroGeo brings clarity to even the most complex landscapes. Visit HydroGeoEnvironmental.com and mention the Vineyard Underground podcast for a special discount on your service.
Thank you to Bahco Tools for sponsoring today's episode. As innovators for more than 165 years, Bahco has introduced the most advanced tools in the world, and Bahco products are manufactured in factories across Europe. I exclusively prune with the Bahco ERGO™ Bypass Secateurs with Elastomer Coated Fixed Handle (size medium). Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with loppers, hedging tools, cutting blades, files, and more.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Pruning is one of the most influential decisions vineyard owners and operators make each season, and in this solo Q&A episode, Fritz tackles the most common — and most misunderstood — questions he hears in the field. Drawing on hands-on experience, Fritz walks listeners through the practical realities of dormant pruning, why it matters far beyond vine appearance, and how pruning choices directly impact vine balance, yield, and long-term vineyard health.
Throughout the episode, Fritz addresses real-world concerns from growers, including how aggressive pruning should be, what mistakes show up most often in young versus mature vineyards, and how to adapt pruning strategies to site conditions and vine vigor.
Fritz explains how pruning windows can influence bud burst and frost risk, and why "earlier is always better" isn't necessarily true. He highlights warning signs that a vineyard may be over- or under-pruned and offers guidance for adjusting course before problems compound over multiple seasons.
This episode is particularly valuable for vineyard owners who want to move beyond rote pruning rules and better understand the "why" behind their pruning decisions. By the end, listeners will have clearer expectations for what good pruning should accomplish and how small, intentional changes can pay dividends in vine performance and fruit quality over time.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Pruning decisions directly influence vine balance, yield, and longevity
- Over-pruning and under-pruning both create long-term vineyard challenges
- Timing of pruning can affect bud break and frost exposure
- Vine vigor should guide pruning intensity, not habits or tradition
- Small adjustments made consistently can improve vineyard performance
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Free Pruning Events:
January 15th at 5 PM Central - Cut with Confidence, Not Consequences – Register here: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/cut-with-confidence/
January 29th at 12:00 PM Central - Snip Happens: Pruning Mistakes and Fixes – Register here: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/snip-happens/
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by HydroGeo Environmental and SensorInsight.
Thank you to HydroGeo Environmental for sponsoring today's episode. For over 20 years, Bubba Beasley and his team have helped vineyard growers with site assessments, mapping, soil and groundwater evaluations, and optimal vineyard layouts. Using the latest technology and industry expertise, HydroGeo brings clarity to even the most complex landscapes. Visit HydroGeoEnvironmental.com and mention the Vineyard Underground podcast for a special discount on your service.
Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today's episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don't forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
A topic that many growers consider but few understand is mothballing a vineyard. In this episode, Fritz covers it all with Dr. Christopher Chen, Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension. With economic pressures, market shifts, and operational challenges affecting vineyard owners across the industry, temporarily idling a vineyard can feel like a practical option — but it comes with important agronomic, legal, and financial considerations.
Dr. Chen brings a research-based, boots-on-the-ground perspective to the conversation, helping listeners understand what "mothballing" actually means in a vineyard context. Rather than a simple shutdown, he explains that mothballing requires intentional planning to preserve vine health, soil integrity, and long-term viability. Real-world questions growers are asking get answered, such as when mothballing makes sense, how long a vineyard can remain idle, and what minimum maintenance is required to avoid costly problems down the line.
Dr. Chen also highlights common mistakes growers make when they cut corners too aggressively, and how those decisions can significantly increase restart costs later. Listeners will walk away with a clearer framework for evaluating whether mothballing is the right strategy for their operation, along with guidance on how to do it responsibly if they choose that path.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What "mothballing" a vineyard really involves
- Situations where mothballing may make economic sense
- Minimum maintenance practices to protect vine health
- Risks related to pests, disease, and vineyard infrastructure
- How mothballing decisions impact future restart costs
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Register for Fritz's FREE live virtual pruning event, Cut with Confidence, Not Consequences, on January 15th at 5 PM Central, and make sure you and your crew are ready for a successful 2026 pruning season.
If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today's Guest:
Dr Christopher Chen is an Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor for the University of California Cooperative Extension.
Connect or follow Chris - https://christopherclchen.neocities.org/
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by Clemens Technologies and SensorInsight.
Thank you to Clemens Technologies for sponsoring today's episode. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions.
Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today's episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don't forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Growers are turning to AI for vineyard advice — but what happens when the algorithms get it wrong? In this episode, Fritz sits down with Texas A&M Extension Viticulture Specialist Dr. Justin Scheiner to put artificial intelligence to the test and reveal where it helps…and where it falls flat.
Fritz and Justin walk through real vineyard questions — on pruning cuts, choosing between cane and spur pruning, designing an effective spray program, and diagnosing puzzling leaf symptoms — then grade the answers provided by AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot.
Justin explains why, despite its convenience, AI can't replace Extension or experienced viticulture support. He breaks down how human experts interpret nuance, adapt recommendations to site-specific realities, and help growers navigate complex issues like fungicide resistance and disease pressure — areas where AI often oversimplifies to a fault.
Listeners will come away with a grounded perspective on how to responsibly use AI in vineyard decision-making: as a tool for learning, not a blueprint for management. Justin also shares updates on forward-facing research at Texas A&M, including irrigation strategies powered by sensors and machine learning, and new work aimed at improving winery efficiency.
In this episode, you will hear:
- AI can provide helpful general information — but often misses context critical for vineyard decisions.
- Pruning advice from AI may be incomplete or incorrect; human expertise is still essential.
- Spray program recommendations from AI can be risky without resistance management and site-specific strategy.
- Leaf symptom diagnosis requires more than a photo — pattern, vine history, and testing matter.
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Register for Fritz's FREE live virtual pruning event, Cut with Confidence, Not Consequences, on January 15th at 5 PM Central, and make sure you and your crew are ready for a successful 2026 pruning season.
If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today's Guest:
Dr. Justin Scheiner is an assistant professor and Extension viticulture specialist in the Department of Horticultural Sciences for Texas A&M University.
Connect with Justin: https://hortsciences.tamu.edu/people/scheiner-justin/
Watch Justin's presentation on The Role of Extension in the Age of AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eljEkapndI
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by Vintner's Vault and Bahco Tools.
Thank you to Vintner's Vault for sponsoring today's episode! Vintner's Vault is the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers, who are also winemakers. Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order, or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages, and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you.
Thank you to Bahco for sponsoring today's episode. As innovators for more than 165 years, Bahco has introduced the most advanced tools in the world, and Bahco products are manufactured in factories across Europe. I exclusively prune with the Bacho ERGO™ Bypass Secateurs with Elastomer Coated Fixed Handle (size medium). Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with loppers, hedging tools, cutting blades, files, and more.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Fritz welcomes longtime colleague and respected viticulture authority Larry Bettiga in this episode for an in-depth look at the evolution of Monterey County's wine industry. With more than four decades of experience, Larry offers a rare, firsthand perspective on how the region transformed from scattered early vineyards into one of the country's most significant cool-climate grape-growing areas.
Larry explains how Monterey's dramatic coastal influence, daily wind patterns, and diverse soils shaped both the opportunities and challenges for growers. He and Fritz unpack the early years of vineyard expansion, including the misalignment of some varieties with climate conditions and how improved temperature modeling and clone selection later steered the region toward better outcomes.
The conversation also explores Larry's extensive research on rootstocks, irrigation, canopy management, and disease control. His comparison of dormant vines, green potted vines, and tall-format grafted vines provides growers with valuable, practical guidance on establishing healthy, high-performing vineyards.
This episode delivers a blend of regional history, applied science, and grounded, grower-focused lessons, capped with Larry's reflections on the future of extension work and its continued importance in California viticulture.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How Monterey County became a major coastal winegrowing region
- Why early plantings struggled, and how growers adapted with better temperature and clone data
- A practical comparison of dormant, green, and tall-format grafted vines
- Lessons from decades of research on rootstocks, canopy management, and disease control
- The future outlook for UC Cooperative Extension in California viticulture
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Register for Fritz's FREE live virtual pruning event, Cut with Confidence, Not Consequences, on January 15th at 5 PM Central, and make sure you and your crew are ready for a successful 2026 pruning season.
If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today's Guest:
Larry Bettiga is a Viticulture Farm Advisor and the Acting Monterey County Director at the University of California Cooperative Extension.
Connect with Larry and view his research - https://my.ucanr.edu/sites/ucanr-2019/about/directorySearch/index.cfm?facultyid=166
Episode Sponsor:
Today's episode was brought to you by Bahco Tools.
As innovators for more than 165 years, Bahco has introduced the most advanced tools in the world, and Bahco products are manufactured in factories across Europe. I exclusively prune with the Bahco ERGO™ Bypass Secateurs with Elastomer Coated Fixed Handle (size medium). Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with loppers, hedging tools, cutting blades, files, and more.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Voles, gophers, and ground squirrels are more than a nuisance — they can devastate vineyards if left unchecked. In this episode, host Fritz Westover sits down with Kelly Mulville of Paicines Ranch and Newt Wimer, an agricultural innovator, to discuss practical, sustainable ways to manage these vertebrate pests.
Kelly shares his firsthand experience with a sudden vole outbreak at Paicines Ranch — one of the worst he's ever seen — and explains how quickly the damage escalated. He walks through the telltale signs of vole damage, how girdling kills vines, and why population cycles and rainfall patterns play a role in outbreaks.
Newt provides insight into developing an organic-approved, non-poisonous control technology that uses liquid CO₂ to safely and efficiently manage underground pests without harming predators or soil ecology. Together, they emphasize that pest management must balance ecological health, economics, and innovation.
Listeners will learn how combining predator support (owls, weasels), physical barriers, and new technologies can help reduce damage sustainably. The conversation also highlights ongoing efforts at Paicines Ranch to create regenerative systems that share successes and failures openly, helping the vineyard community at large.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Voles, gophers, and ground squirrels can cause extensive vineyard damage, especially through girdling and root feeding.
- Outbreaks are cyclical and may correspond with wetter years that promote vole breeding.
- Physical barriers like vole tubes and underground fencing can protect vines—but must be properly installed and buried.
- Encouraging natural predators such as owls and weasels significantly supports organic pest control.
- New cryogenic CO₂ technology offers a fast, organic-approved, and cost-effective solution for underground pest management.
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Come grow with Fritz through https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Listen to Kelly Mulville's previous episode – Episode 17: Using Sheep in Regenerative Agriculture with Kelly Mulville.
Today's Guests:
Kelly Mulville is a global agricultural consultant and the Vineyard Director at Paicines Ranch in San Benito County, California.
Connect with Kelly at Paicinesranch.com
Follow Paicines Ranch:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paicinesranch/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaicinesRanch/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgoknCxuI2Y-w0CpjmOdug
Newt Wimer specializes in product development for agriculture and developed the first organic-approved squirrel and gopher control device.
Connect with Newt – Email
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today's episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don't forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, Fritz sits down with Callil Capuozzo, the founder and owner of Overhead Vineyards in coastal Rhode Island. Callil shares his unique journey from industrial designer to vineyard owner and walks through the challenges of starting a vineyard on existing farmland.
The conversation explores the critical early decisions in vineyard development — from soil sampling and drainage considerations to choosing trellis systems that suit humid, fog-prone climates. Callil's experiment with a pergola-style trellis, inspired by traditional Albarino vineyards in Rías Baixas, Spain, sparks a deeper discussion on airflow, spray coverage, disease pressure, and long-term scalability.
Fritz offers practical guidance on establishing vineyard infrastructure, exploring options like high cordon or Watson systems, managing pests such as Japanese beetles and downy mildew, and the importance of fencing for deer and bird pressure. The episode also dives into variety selection, weighing the benefits of hybrids like Traminette, Baco Noir, and Itasca against the disease challenges of vinifera varieties.
Listeners will learn how to match site-specific factors with smart vineyard design decisions and how to plan gradual expansion while keeping labor and management sustainable. It's an inspiring and technical roadmap for anyone looking to scale from first planting to a working vineyard.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Site evaluation is essential — good drainage and slope can make or break vineyard success
- Trellis systems should balance airflow, sun exposure, and ease of labor
- Pergola trellises offer unique benefits, but can become challenging at scale
- Hybrids are smart choices for humid regions with high disease pressure
- Start small, expand gradually, and adapt systems as you learn
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
If you're interested in Fritz's help with getting your vineyard planned and planted, learn more about his Vineyard Establishment Package at VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/GetEstablished. And use the code GetEstablished to save $499 off your purchase of this package as a thank you for being a podcast listener.
Learn more about the Watson Training System.
If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today's Guest:
Callil Capuozzo is the founder and owner of Overhead Vineyards in coastal Rhode Island. Connect with Callil or learn more about Overhead Vineyards.
Website – https://overheadvineyard.com/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/overheadvineyard
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today's episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don't forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz welcomes Dustin Hooper, Vice President of Sales at Sunridge Nurseries, to take listeners behind the scenes of how grapevines are made. While growers see the final product when vines arrive at their vineyard, there's a fascinating process that begins long before planting — starting with certified mother vines and continuing through propagation, grafting, greenhouse production, and certification.
Dustin shares his personal journey into the nursery business and offers an insider's perspective on the complexities of producing clean, reliable vines for commercial vineyards. Together, Fritz and Dustin explore the differences between own-rooted versus grafted vines, the pros and cons of dormant bare-root versus greenhouse formats, and innovations such as tall and medium-trained vines. They also cover critical topics like soil and water testing, rootstock selection, and how clones are chosen to fine-tune vineyard performance and wine style.
A key part of the discussion is the rigorous certification process overseen by UC Davis Foundation Plant Services and state agencies to ensure vines are tested and free from major viruses before they ever reach a vineyard. Dustin emphasizes that selecting the right vine format, rootstock, and clone isn't just about availability — it's about long-term success, sustainability, and profitability.
Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of the nursery side of viticulture and gain practical insights into how to make informed decisions when ordering vines for their vineyard.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The difference between own-rooted and grafted vines, and when each is appropriate
- Pros and cons of dormant bare-root vs. greenhouse-grown vines
- How tall and medium-trained vines can help in specific planting scenarios
- Why rootstock and clone selection are critical to vineyard success
- The rigorous certification and testing process that protects growers from viruses
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Access Fritz's Young Vineyard Management resources to protect your investment, grow your vineyard, and Be a Better Grape Grower in your first three years of vineyard establishment.
If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today's Guest:
Dustin Hooper is the Vice President of Sales at Sunridge Nurseries Inc., and a leading expert in the grapevine nursery industry.
Connect with Dustin - https://www.sunridgenurseries.com
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Sunridge Nurseries for sponsoring today's episode. Sunridge Nurseries is the exclusive nursery sponsor of the Vineyard Underground podcast. They have been a family-owned company for over 45 years, and their dedicated focus on quality and consistency has grown them into the largest supplier of grapevines in both North and South America and the industry leader in nursery standards. Visit them today at SunridgeNurseries.com and mention the code Underground to receive a podcast listener discount on your vine order.
Thank you to Shellt Grow Tubes for sponsoring today's episode. Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders, plus free shipping within the continental United States.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz continues his conversation with winemaker and Inside Winemaking podcast host Jim Duane on what it takes for grape growers to successfully step into winemaking. Following part one, which covered equipment, compliance, and basic chemistry, part two dives deeper into the realities of balancing vineyard management with winery responsibilities.
Fritz and Jim explore how harvest decisions shift when you’re making wine from your own fruit, weighing risks like weather and pests against the pursuit of higher quality. Jim shares how winemakers must rethink priorities, and they also break down which lab analyses should be done in-house versus outsourced.
The discussion covers the intense workload during harvest, how to plan labor needs, and the value of building a team to avoid burnout. Jim stresses the importance of advance planning to manage the overlapping demands of the vineyard and the winery. He also highlights common mistakes growers face when starting out, including mismanaging SO2 additions, misinterpreting acidity, and relying on incomplete fermentation data.
The episode closes with practical advice and resources for aspiring winemakers, from small-scale home fermentations to structured courses and workshops. Fritz and Jim encourage growers to start experimenting, make manageable mistakes, and seek mentorship to build both confidence and competence before fully scaling their operations.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How harvest decisions shift when growers begin making their own wine
- Why budgeting for laboratory analyses is non-negotiable in commercial winemaking
- Common mistakes with SO2, acidity adjustments, and fermentation management
- The importance of advance planning to balance vineyard and winery demands
- Practical resources and training opportunities for new winemakers
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Watch Jim’s video on how to measure Titratable Acidity in Juice or Wine.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today’s Guest:
Jim Duane is the head winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in Napa Valley and the host of the Inside Winemaking podcast.
Connect with Jim, learn about upcoming winemaking courses and classes, and listen to the podcast at InsideWinemaking.com or follow him on Instagram: https://instagram.com/insidewinemaking or YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyzZ0EiFJEzFdiG6UTnyqMA.
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Vintner’s Vault. Vintner’s Vault was started and is operated by winemakers, so they have the knowledge and experience to help you make an educated decision on the equipment purchases and winery set-up and layouts that are best for you. They are the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers, who are also winemakers.
Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order, or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages, and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Many vineyard owners eventually consider moving beyond grape growing into winemaking, whether to create a new revenue stream, take control of their fruit, or explore a more creative outlet. In this episode, we welcome winemaker and podcaster Jim Duane of Seavey Vineyard and the Inside Winemaking podcast for the first part of a two-part discussion on how growers can make this transition successfully.
The conversation discusses the mindset, skills, and resources needed to move from vineyard to cellar. Jim shares why a formal chemistry degree isn’t required to produce quality wine, how growers can build confidence in their palate, and which common flaws are most important to recognize early. He also outlines three stages of winemaking where growers need to focus their attention: harvest chemistry, fermentation management, and post-fermentation protection.
Listeners will also gain insight into the required equipment for red and white winemaking, the importance of temperature control at each stage, and why barrels can be a turning point for quality. Fritz and Jim round out the discussion with advice on navigating licensing, compliance, and regulatory hurdles, plus a look at custom crush facilities as an option for growers who want to test the waters without a full winery investment.
This episode delivers practical, confidence-building advice for any grower curious about making wine and lays the foundation for part two, where the focus shifts to how vineyard practices change once you’re also the winemaker.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why a chemistry degree isn’t necessary to make quality wine
- Three key stages of winemaking where growers must focus their attention
- The most common wine flaws every new winemaker should learn to detect
- Equipment essentials for red and white winemaking at a small scale
- How custom crush operations can help growers test the waters before fully committing
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today’s Guest:
Jim Duane is the head winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in Napa Valley and the host of the Inside Winemaking podcast.
Connect with Jim, learn about upcoming winemaking courses and classes, and listen to the podcast at InsideWinemaking.com.
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Vintner’s Vault. Vintner’s Vault was started and is operated by winemakers, so they have the knowledge and experience to help you make an educated decision on the equipment purchases and winery set up and layouts that are best for you. They are the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers, who are also winemakers.
Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, Fritz walks through the full planning process for a brand-new vineyard alongside guest Matthieu Wheeler. Matthieu, the winemaker at Cassidy Hill Vineyard in Connecticut and founder of Wheeler Winery, is preparing to establish his own vineyard on a newly purchased property. With Fritz’s guidance, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into selecting vineyard sites, designing blocks, and preparing the land for long-term success.
Fritz and Matthieu cover vineyard economics, including the realistic costs of establishing and maintaining vines, equipment investments, and the role of sweat equity. They also explore soil testing, nutrient management, and the importance of addressing amendments before planting.
The conversation digs into key topics such as vineyard orientation, trellis design, row spacing, mechanization potential, and wildlife management. Fritz also emphasizes strategies to minimize risks from frost events, disease pressure, and poor site preparation. Whether you’re a prospective grower or expanding your existing operation, this episode provides guidance and a real-world example of how thoughtful planning lays the groundwork for decades of vineyard success.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The importance of soil testing and incorporating amendments before planting
- Budgeting realistically for vineyard establishment and equipment needs
- Balancing wine program goals with varieties suited to local conditions
- Considering labor, mechanization, and long-term management in vineyard design
- Why starting small and scaling over time helps new growers avoid costly mistakes
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
If you’re interested in Fritz’s help with getting your vineyard planned and planted, learn more about his Vineyard Establishment Package at https://www.VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/GetEstablished and use the code GetEstablished to save $499 off your purchase of this package as a thank you for being a podcast listener.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Matthieu Wheeler is the winemaker at Cassidy Hill Vineyard and the founder and owner of Wheeler Winery. Connect with Matthieu or learn more about Cassidy Hill Vineyard and Wheeler Winery.
Cassidy Hill Vineyard
Website - https://cassidyhillvineyard.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057098184176#
Wheeler Winery
Website - wheelerwinery.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wheelerwinery/
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Vigneron Toy Store. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code Underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz welcomes Adam Huss — host of the Beyond Organic Wine podcast, winemaker at Centralas Wine, and creator of the Crenshaw Cru Wine Garden in South Los Angeles. Adam shares his unconventional path into winemaking, beginning with a career in the nonprofit sector before launching a winery focused on ecological and community-driven practices.
The conversation explores Adam’s philosophy of going “beyond organic” to embrace an ecological approach to winegrowing — one that avoids getting boxed into industry buzzwords and instead focuses on the interconnectedness of soil, plants, people, and place. He discusses his work with regenerative agriculture pioneer Kelly Mulville at Paicines Ranch, his shift toward sourcing local fruit (including prickly pears and other native plants), and his experimentation with vitiforestry — a centuries-old practice of integrating grapevines with trees to create resilient, biodiverse systems.
Adam also explains how transparency in winemaking, creative use of wild or locally abundant ingredients, and community involvement shape his vision for wine that is both place-specific and environmentally sound. Listeners will hear stories from his LA-based wine garden, lessons from crop failures, and his plans for a vitiforestry project in New York that could produce wines unlike anything on the market.
Whether you grow grapes conventionally, organically, or somewhere in between, Adam’s journey offers a fresh perspective on how to balance environmental stewardship, economic sustainability, and community engagement in vineyard operations.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How “beyond organic” focuses on ecological connections rather than labels
- Lessons from Paicines Ranch on listening to the land before planting
- The concept and practice of vitiforestry, from hedgerows to “married vines”
- Creative use of local and wild ingredients in winemaking
- The role of community in sustainable agriculture and wine culture
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Join Fritz live to learn about What Our Grapevine Leaves Are Telling Us – Diagnosing & Treating Symptoms on August 26, 2025 | 5:00-6:30 PM CST. Register for FREE - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/symptons.
Schedule your 15-minute FREE vineyard help call with Fritz for the week of August 25th at www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/call.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/Join! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Adam Huss is the podcast host of the Beyond Organic Wine podcast, the owner and winemaker for Centralas Wine in LA, and the creator of Crenshaw Cru Winegarden in South LA.
Connect with Adam:
Beyond Organic Wine Podcast
- Website - https://www.organicwinepodcast.com/
- Instagram - @OrganicWinePodcast
Crenshaw Cru - Perennial Winegarden & Centralas Winery
- Website - https://www.centralaswine.com/
- Instagram @centralaswine and @CrenshawCru
- Blog - https://www.centralaswine.com/blog
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Clemens Technologies. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, we welcome Hilary Graves, Vineyard and Grower Relations Manager at Booker Wines, to discuss how she successfully transitioned an Organic vineyard to regenerative organic certification. With over 20 years of field experience on California’s Central Coast, Hilary brings practical strategies and candid stories about what it really takes to move beyond standard organic practices.
Hilary explains the core pillars of regenerative organic certification — soil health, social fairness, and animal welfare — and why she and the team at Booker Wines chose to pursue this path. She walks listeners through how integrating multi-species cover crops, implementing low-till and no-till practices, and bringing in grazing livestock have helped improve soil structure, increase water retention, and reduce reliance on inputs. Fritz and Hilary also dig into the challenges of vineyard mechanization on steep terrain, minimizing tractor passes, and creative pest control strategies, including releasing predatory lacewings by drone to combat leafhoppers.
Whether you’re already farming organically or just exploring what’s next, this episode offers tangible examples of how even small changes can drive long-term benefits for your soil, your business, and the environment.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The difference between organic and regenerative organic certification
- How to build a diverse cover crop blend (and why 15 species might be better than five)
- Using a Yeomans plow to increase water infiltration without disturbing soil structure
- Grazing sheep for cover crop termination in a mutually beneficial partnership
- Why releasing beneficial insects by drone can outpace traditional sprays for pest control
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Schedule your 15-minute FREE vineyard help call with Fritz for the week of August 25th at www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/call.
Join Fritz live to learn about What Our Grapevine Leaves Are Telling Us – Diagnosing & Treating Symptoms on August 26, 2025 | 5:00-6:30 PM CST. Register for FREE - www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/symptons.
If you’re starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, visit VirtualViticulureAcademy.com/growsmart to get Fritz’s online Prospective Winegrape Grower Course to help you get your vineyard planned and planted correctly from the start. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to save $89.00 as a thank you for being a podcast listener.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Hilary Graves is a winegrower, winemaker, and viticulture educator with more than 20 years of field experience on California’s Central Coast. She currently works as the Vineyard & Grower Relations Manager for Booker Wines in Paso Robles, CA.
Connect with Hilary and learn more about Booker Wines - https://www.bookerwines.com or follow her at https://www.instagram.com/hilarysgraves/ or https://www.instagram.com/bookervineyard/
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Clemens Technologies.
Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions.
Episode Credits:
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode of Vineyard Underground, we welcome Dr. Belinda Kemp, viticulture and enology researcher at NIAB in East Malling, England, to explore the evolving wine industry in the UK. With a background in theatrical arts and a PhD in Pinot Noir, Dr. Kemp brings a dynamic perspective to the scientific and practical aspects of cool climate viticulture.
The conversation covers England’s emerging reputation for sparkling wine, the impact of climate variability on grape production, and the country's increasing focus on sustainability and innovation. Dr. Kemp discusses the shift from traditional varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir toward disease-resistant hybrid grapes, including the introduction of PiWi varieties. She shares the challenges of managing common diseases like downy and powdery mildew and emerging threats like black rot.
Listeners also get a glimpse into the latest research projects at NIAB, including the effects of pruning methods on yield, the role of calcium in sparkling wine stability, and the use of companion plants to improve vineyard biodiversity. Dr. Kemp explains how NIAB integrates technology and sustainability — from acoustic soil monitoring to underground rhizolabs — to support growers and improve wine quality.
Whether you grow grapes in England or a similar cool, wet climate like the eastern U.S. or Canada, this episode offers applicable knowledge for tackling vineyard challenges and embracing innovation.
In this episode, you will hear:
- England's wine industry is expanding rapidly, with a strong focus on sparkling wines
- New disease-resistant grape varieties are being trialed to meet climate and production demands
- Variability in spring weather creates challenges for cover crops, planting, and pest pressure
- Calcium stability is becoming an issue in sparkling wine production — NIAB is studying causes and solutions
- Companion planting and acoustic soil monitoring are part of a systems approach to regenerative viticulture
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Join Fritz live to learn about What Our Grapevine Leaves Are Telling Us – Diagnosing & Treating Symptoms on August 26, 2025 | 5:00-6:30 PM CST. Register for FREE - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/symptons.
If you’re starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, visit VirtualViticulureAcademy.com/growsmart to get Fritz’s online Prospective Winegrape Grower Course to help you get your vineyard planned and planted correctly from the start. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to save $89.00 as a thank you for being a podcast listener.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Belinda Kemp is a Group Leader for Viticulture and Oenology Research at the new Wine Innovation Centre in East Malling, Kent, UK. Her current research encompasses vineyard to final sparkling wine research that includes regenerative viticulture practices, Net Zero grape growing, sparkling wine flavor, and cool climate still winemaking.
Connect with Belinda and view her research - https://www.niab.com/about/people/dr-belinda-kemp.
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Sunridge Nurseries Thank you to Sunridge Nurseries for sponsoring today’s episode. Sunridge Nurseries is the exclusive nursery sponsor of the Vineyard Underground podcast. They have been a family-owned company for over 45 years, and their dedicated focus on quality and consistency has grown them into the largest supplier of grapevines in both North and South America and the industry leader in nursery standards. Visit them today at SunridgeNurseries.com and mention the code Underground to receive a podcast listener discount on your vine order.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz welcomes Dr. R. Paul Schreiner, recently retired research plant physiologist from the USDA, for a deep dive into the fascinating world of mycorrhizal fungi and their impact on vineyard health. With over two decades of research experience in grapevine physiology and root biology, Dr. Schreiner shares the critical roles these fungi play in nutrient uptake, root efficiency, drought tolerance, and overall soil structure.
Fritz and Dr. Schreiner explore what arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are, how they form symbiotic relationships with grapevine roots, and why grapes are considered “super hosts.” They discuss how AMF enhances phosphorus acquisition, especially in low-P soils, and how they support the uptake of other nutrients like potassium, zinc, and copper. They also talk about factors that suppress or encourage fungal colonization, such as excessive fertilization, cultivation, cover cropping, and herbicide use.
Dr. Schreiner also previews ongoing research from the High-Resolution Vineyard Nutrition Project, which is helping redefine best practices for tissue sampling and nutrient timing. Whether you’re planting a new vineyard or managing an established one, this episode offers an essential look at how understanding underground biology can elevate your vineyard management decisions.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How grapevines form symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi
- Why phosphorus is the most important nutrient supported by AMF
- The effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on fungal colonization
- Whether commercial AMF inoculants are worth the investment
- Practices that promote healthy fungal populations in vineyard soil
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
If you are starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, apply to be on the podcast for Fritz’s help planning your vineyard – VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com/Contact/
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/Join! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. R. Paul Schreiner is a research plant physiologist specializing in research on grapevine physiology with a focus on plant nutrition and the functioning of roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. He is currently working with the High Resolution Vineyard Nutrient Management Project as a co-director, leading the plant nutrition and product quality group.
Connect with Paul through the High Resolution Vineyard Nutrient Management Project: https://highresvineyardnutrition.com/.
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by the Inside Winemaking podcast.
Thank you to the Inside Winemaking podcast for sponsoring today’s episode. To learn more about the art & science of winemaking with Jim Duane, visit www.insidewinemaking.com/ and listen to the Inside Winemaking podcast on your favorite podcast app with new episodes releasing every other Tuesday.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this solo episode, we take a deep dive into the many variables that influence young vine training in different climates. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how climate, trellis selection, rootstock vigor, and regional weather risks shape vine training strategies. Fritz explains how cold-climate growers often rely on double trunks or “spare parts viticulture” to prepare for winter damage, while warmer-climate vineyards may benefit from fast-tracking techniques like green topping and one-shoot training for quicker vineyard establishment.
We walk through scenarios where single-trunk systems are ideal, when to consider double trunks, and how the practice of renewing trunks every few years can extend vine longevity. We also break down when to use green topping, how to avoid bull canes, and why mature leaves on developing trunks should never be removed.
Growers will leave this episode with specific, actionable tips to match their training approach to their unique vineyard conditions, helping them improve both short-term success and long-term vineyard health.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Differences between trellis systems and vine training systems
- When and why to use single vs. double trunk strategies
- What “spare parts viticulture” is and where it makes sense
- Green topping and other fast-tracking methods explained
- How to manage training for high- and low-vigor vineyard sites
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Check out Fritz’s additional resources to help you care for your vines and vineyard in years 1-3 at VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/YoungVineyard.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Sunridge Nurseries and the Inside Winemaking podcast.
Thank you to Sunridge Nurseries for sponsoring today’s episode. Sunridge Nurseries is the exclusive nursery sponsor of the Vineyard Underground podcast. They have been a family-owned company for over 45 years, and their dedicated focus on quality and consistency has grown them into the largest supplier of grapevines in both North and South America and the industry leader in nursery standards. Visit them today at SunridgeNurseries.com and mention the code Underground to receive a podcast listener discount on your vine order.
Thank you to the Inside Winemaking podcast for sponsoring today’s episode. To learn more about the art & science of winemaking with Jim Duane, visit www.insidewinemaking.com/ and listen to the Inside Winemaking podcast on your favorite podcast app with new episodes releasing every other Tuesday.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz welcomes soil scientist Dr. Jaclyn Fiola for an in-depth discussion on one of viticulture’s most misunderstood nutrients — potassium. Drawing from her recent research and extensive fieldwork across the Mid-Atlantic region, Jaclyn breaks down how potassium behaves differently from other macronutrients, where it originates in the soil, and what makes its availability so complex for grape growers.
Fritz and Jaclyn explore why vineyards in the Eastern U.S. often see discrepancies between soil and tissue potassium levels and how that can impact grape quality, vine health, and ultimately wine pH. They dive into the implications of both potassium deficiency and excess, emphasizing how water availability and soil mineralogy play pivotal roles in potassium uptake. Growers will also learn why standard soil tests may not give the full picture — and why plant tissue testing, particularly whole-leaf sampling at veraison, is often more reliable.
Jaclyn shares the results of her groundbreaking study, highlighting best practices for sampling, how to interpret potassium levels accurately, and actionable steps for managing young versus mature vines. Whether you're planting a new vineyard or managing high potassium levels in an existing one, this episode equips you with the tools to make more informed nutrient management decisions.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Potassium largely comes from soil parent material, not organic matter, making it harder to assess with traditional testing.
- Moisture-rich soils increase potassium availability, especially in non-irrigated Eastern vineyards.
- Whole-leaf tissue testing at veraison gives the most accurate indication of potassium status in grapevines.
- Too much potassium can raise wine pH, affecting mouthfeel, color, and shelf life.
- Before applying potassium fertilizers, understand your soil minerals and use targeted tissue testing to avoid overcorrection.
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
If you are starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, apply to be on the podcast for Fritz’s help planning your vineyard - https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/contact/
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Jaclyn Fiola is a soil scientist who specializes in vineyard soils and soil science pedagogy. She works as an Assistant Professor of Soil and Environmental Science at Delaware Valley University.
Connect with Jaclyn, follow her, and view her research.
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Vigneron Toy Store and the Inside Winemaking podcast.
Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today’s episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code Underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
Thank you to the Inside Winemaking podcast for sponsoring today’s episode. To learn more about the art & science of winemaking with Jim Duane, visit www.insidewinemaking.com/ and listen to the Inside Winemaking podcast on your favorite podcast app with new episodes releasing every other Tuesday.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode of Vineyard Underground, host Fritz Westover welcomes Dr. Katie Gold, Assistant Professor of Grape Pathology at Cornell University, for a deep dive into how research drives informed spray program decisions in the vineyard. Dr. Gold brings her extensive expertise in grape disease management to the conversation, shedding light on how growers can use scientific data and field research to refine their fungicide strategies and protect their crops more effectively.
Fritz and Katie explore the critical role of disease forecasting models, including how they are developed and validated, and why it’s important for growers to go beyond the “calendar-based” approach to spraying. Dr. Gold emphasizes the value of using weather-based decision support tools and highlights ongoing research aimed at improving the precision and sustainability of vineyard disease management.
Listeners will gain a better understanding of how academic research translates into real-world applications, from identifying pathogen resistance patterns to making timely fungicide applications. Katie also discusses the impact of underutilized research, how misinformation can spread in farming communities, and why continuous learning and outreach are essential for successful vineyard operations.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Research-based spray programs outperform calendar-based models
- Disease forecasting tools help optimize fungicide timing and efficiency
- Growers should verify the reliability of sources when seeking vineyard advice
- Understanding fungicide resistance is key to long-term vineyard health
- Practical research translation is essential for sustainable vineyard practices
Follow and Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.
Resources:
If you are starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, apply to be on the podcast for Fritz’s help planning your vineyard - VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com/Contact/
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/Join! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Katie Gold is an Assistant Professor of Grape Pathology at Cornell University, where she holds primary research and extension responsibilities for grape disease management in New York State.
Connect with Katie: https://cals.cornell.edu/kaitlin-gold
View her research work: https://blogs.cornell.edu/goldlab/
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Clemens Technologies.
Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, we are joined by a friend and repeat guest, Paul Crout. Paul is a leading pest control advisor, certified crop control advisor, and one of the foremost experts on wine grape nutrition, spray adjuvants, and more in the ag and viticulture realm. He currently works as a leading agronomist with Helena Agra Enterprises in California, and he has the honor of being the only guest we've had on the podcast three times!
Adjuvants can be a dry topic, but we promise this discussion provides a lot of valuable take-home information. It’s one of those episodes where you will want to take notes. Listen in and don’t forget to download the Spray Adjuvants to Increase Pesticide Efficacy Grower Guide.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What adjuvants are, when to use them, and which ones to use
- The two main categories of adjuvants - surfactants and special purpose
- When to use buffers and drift control agents
- The importance of knowing your water’s pH before adding an adjuvant
- Differences between non-ionic surfactants and organosilicone surfactants
- Understanding the use of methylated seed oils for tank mixing and pesticide application
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Download Fritz’s member-only Spray Adjuvants to Increase Pesticide Efficacy Grower Guide available to podcast listeners through August 2025.
If you are starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, apply to be on the podcast for Fritz’s help planning your vineyard - https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/contact/
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today’s Guest:
Paul Crout is a Pest Control Advisor and Certified Crop Advisor, and one of the foremost experts on wine grape nutrition and spray adjuvants. He currently works as an Agronomist with Helena Agri-Enterprises in California.
Connect with Paul on LinkedIn and learn more about being Grape Wise with Helena.
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by SensorInsight and by Vigneron Toy Store.
Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today’s episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today’s episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code Underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
There are three alternative canopy management practices that generate a lot of questions and sometimes confusion from growers. So, in today’s solo episode I will cover these three canopy management practices - extreme leaf removal, shoot tipping, and palissage. I’ll go over each of these practices and discuss when they should be used to benefit your vineyard and in what instances these practices should be avoided.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The potential outcomes of extreme leaf removal
- The impact of extreme leaf removal on grapevine physiology and disease prevention
- Creative applications of shoot tipping or hedging
- The palissage method as an alternative to traditional shoot hedging
- New approaches surrounding the palissage method
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Access more canopy management resources at VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/Canopy.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Shellt Grow Tubes and by SensorInsight.
Thank you to Shellt Grow Tubes for sponsoring today’s episode. Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States.
Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today’s episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Growers need to know which insects they need to treat and which they can ignore. While some insects pose a threat to grapevines, others can actually benefit them. In this episode, we have a discussion with the Distinguished Professor and Berry Crops Entomology Extension Specialist for Michigan State University, Dr. Rufus Isaacs, on this topic. Understanding when and what insects are actually a problem versus those that are hanging out or even providing a benefit is necessary for the health of your vineyard.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The insects that are most destructive during bud burst in the spring
- The insects that are destructive during bloom
- Methods and products for prevention and treatment of various pests
- How to identify thrips
- The importance of weekly scouting and knowing what to look for
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Attend Fritz’s upcoming Winning with Shoot Thinning FREE LIVE Virtual Learning event on April 28th at 5:00 PM Central and ask your question live. Register for FREE: www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/winning.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Download the Michigan State Mobile Guide for Grape IPM: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/a-mobile-guide-for-grape-ipm-scouting-in-north-central-and-eastern-u-s
Listen to the related episode: Episode 21 - The Rise of the Spotted Lanternfly with Dr. Michela Centinari - https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/vu021/
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Rufus Isaacs is a Distinguished Professor and Berry Crops Entomology Extension Specialist for Michigan State University.
Connect with Rufus: https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/rufus_isaacs
View his research work: https://www.isaacslab.ent.msu.edu/
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by SensorInsight and by Vigneron Toy Store.
Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today’s episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today’s episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code Underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, we are joined by Alice Wise from Cornell University to talk about vineyard floor management and how concepts and best practices for vineyard floor management have evolved in recent years. Alice has been following trends and successes for grape growers in Long Island, New York, and across the Mid-Atlantic in general with her extension and research roles, and we know you are going to love what she has to share with us.
Listen in to discover the evolution of vineyard floor management today!
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why growers decided they wanted a change in their management practices.
- About Alice’s sustainability program on the East Coast.
- The types of mechanical cultivation that were tried and their problems.
- What a lysimeter is and how it’s used.
- How to do your own cover crop research.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Attend Fritz’s upcoming Winning with Shoot Thinning FREE LIVE Virtual Learning event on April 28th at 5:00 PM Central and ask your question live. Register for FREE www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/winning.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today’s Guest:
Alice Wise is a Viticulture Researcher with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
Connect with Alice at https://ccesuffolk.org/staff/alice-wise
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Clemens Technologies and by Shellt Grow Tubes.
Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions.
Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, we explore the world of sparkling wine production in unconventional regions with Mark Wenzel from Illinois Sparkling Wine Company and August Hill Winery, and Kaibab Sauvage from Sauvage Spectrum Winery in Colorado. These winemakers discuss their process of adapting viticulture to thrive in challenging climates, turning high-acid grapes into naturally sparkling wines without relying on conventional carbonation methods.
The episode covers their brands' evolutions, vineyard management techniques, and creative varietal blends. Additionally, Mark and Kaibab share about vineyard management, yield strategies, and future innovations in sparkling wine.
Listen in for inspiration and practical advice for grape growers and winemakers interested in expanding into non-traditional locales.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Sparkling wine production in non-traditional regions like Illinois and Colorado.
- Adapting viticulture for cold climates.
- The transition from carbonated to naturally sparkling wines.
- The varieties that Mark and Kaibab like to use.
- Vineyard management strategies, including yield management and trellis innovations.
- Tips for harvesting and managing vineyards specifically for sparkling wine production.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Do you have a question for Fritz?
Attend Fritz’s upcoming Winning with Shoot Thinning FREE LIVE Virtual Learning event on April 28th at 5:00 PM Central and ask your question live. Register for FREE www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/winning.
Or go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button, to submit a question online for Fritz.
Today’s Guests:
Mark Wenzel is the founder and owner of August Hill Winery and the Illinois Sparkling Company.
Connect with Mark at https://augusthillwinery.com/ or https://iscbubbly.com/
or follow him at https://www.instagram.com/augusthillwinery/ or https://www.instagram.com/illinoissparklingco/
Kaibab Sauvage is the owner and manager of Colorado Vineyard Specialists LLC and the co-founder of Sauvage Spectrum Estate Winery & Vineyard.
Connect with Kaibab at https://sauvagespectrum.com/ or follow him at https://www.instagram.com/coloradovineyard/ or https://www.instagram.com/sauvagespectrumwines/?hl=en
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Shellt Grow Tubes and by Clemens Technologies.
Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States.
Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
We are back with another one of our favorite types of episodes - a Q&A, where Fritz answers questions from growers like you, from all over the country. In today’s episode, we focus on questions pertaining to early season growing. This includes knowing when to prune and how much and knowing what to do about retraining trunks or working around tricky sections in your vineyard. Listen in now as you get ready for the upcoming growing season.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What to do if bud burst comes early
- How to predict how much water per acre is needed to spray as the canopy size increases
- What to do when you have one section that is sensitive to sulfur
- What to do when retraining trunks
- Is it okay to cut shoots back to the trunk when there is still a chance of a hard freeze
- Advantages of using a pruning wound sealant and when to use it
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Do you have a question for Fritz? We’ve got 3 ways for you to get it answered!
- Attend Fritz’s upcoming Winning with Shoot Thinning FREE LIVE Virtual Learning event on April 28th at 5:00 PM Central and ask your question live. Register for FREE www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/winning.
- Attend an upcoming Live Vineyard Advising time with Fritz to ask your question live. Go to www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/guestpass to sign up.
- Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button, to submit a question online for Fritz.
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Shellt Grow Tubes and by Bahco Tools.
Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND15 to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States.
As innovators for more than 165 years, Bahco has introduced the most advanced tools in the world, and Bacho products are manufactured in factories across Europe. I exclusively prune with the Bacho ERGO™ Bypass Secateurs with Elastomer Coated Fixed Handle (size medium). Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with loppers, hedging tools, cutting blades, files, and more.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Mechanizing a vineyard can lead to significant efficiency gains and cost savings, but it's important to start planning for mechanization early in the vineyard design process. Many new growers overlook this step, which can impact their adaptability for mechanization in the future.
In this episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Matthew Fidelibus from UC Davis and Alan Thibault from Ashton Creek Vineyard and Vigneron Toy Store on the best mechanization practices from the start.
By considering mechanization from the beginning, vineyard owners can make sure their operations are set up for success and remain competitive in the ever-evolving wine industry.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How to start with mechanization from the beginning
- Why you should start planning for mechanization at site selection
- Challenges and benefits of mechanizing vineyard training systems and retrofitting existing vineyards
- Importance of vineyard uniformity for successful mechanization
- Economic considerations and strategic equipment investments for vineyard operations
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
View the soil trafficability website mentioned in the episode - https://soilmap2-1.lawr.ucdavis.edu/soil-trafficability/
If you’re starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, visit VirtualViticulureAcademy.com/growsmart to get Fritz’s online Prospective Winegrape Grower Course to help you get your vineyard planned and planted correctly from the start. Use the code PODCAST at check out to save $89.00 as a thank you for being a podcast listener.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Matthew Fidelibus is an extension specialist in the Department of Viticulture and Enology, UC Davis. Connect with Matthew and view his research - https://wineserver.ucdavis.edu/people/matthew-fidelibus#/ or follow him at https://bsky.app/profile/viticulture.bsky.social
Alan Thibault is the Winemaker & Vineyard Manager at Ashton Creek Vineyard and the co-owner of Vigneron Toy Store. Connect with Alan at https://www.ashtoncreekvineyard.com/ or https://www.vignerontoystore.com/ and follow him at @ https://www.instagram.com/ashtoncreekvineyard/ and @ https://www.instagram.com/vignerontoys/.
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today’s episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code Underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today’s episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
From the sun-drenched fields of Jalisco to the high-altitude terrains of Coahuila, Mexican winemakers like Alexandro Eguiarte of Viñedo Evangelista and Francisco Verastegui of Vinicola Refran Winery & Vineyard are leveraging the diverse conditions to produce distinctive wines that reflect the country's rich terroir. As the industry expands, it brings with it both opportunities and challenges that shape the future of viticulture in the region.
Listen in to this conversation with Alexandro and Francisco and learn about the wine and grape growing industries in Mexico and how they have evolved over the past couple of decades.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The evolution of grape growing in Mexico and the transition from brandy to tequila to wine
- The effect of tourism on grape growing in Mexico
- The climates in Jalisco and Coahuila and how they affect viticultural efforts
- Labor concerns and how to train workers effectively
- The challenges that come with growing grapes in these areas of Mexico
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today’s Guests:
Connect with Alexandro Eguiarte of Viñedo Evangelista in Jalisco, México and follow them: @vinedoevangelista
Connect with Francisco Verastegui of Vinicola Refran Winery & Vineyard in Coahuila, Mexico and follow them: @refran_rec
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Sunridge Nurseries and by SensorInsight Thank you to Sunridge Nurseries for sponsoring today’s episode. Sunridge Nurseries is the exclusive nursery sponsor of the Vineyard Underground podcast. They have been a family-owned company for over 45 years and their dedicated focus on quality and consistency has grown them into the largest supplier of grapevines in both North and South America and the industry leader in nursery standards. Visit them today at SunridgeNurseries.com and mention the code Underground to receive a podcast listener discount on your vine order.
Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today’s episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
When you grow up in the country with the most acreage of grapes, it only makes sense that you grow up to be a plant pathologist and research scientist in the world of viticulture. That was the case for Dr. José Ramón Úrbez-Torres. His studies took him from Spain to France, to California, and to Canada, where he studied under the best and gained valuable knowledge on grape growing and plant pathology.
In this episode, we discuss pruning wound disease and bust some of the common myths surrounding the topic.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The significance of regional conditions on pruning strategies.
- The role of xylem vessels in disease spread and cultivar susceptibility.
- The importance of timing in pruning to minimize spore infection risk.
- The effectiveness of biological controls in vineyard management.
- The impact of pre-pruning on disease management and whether protection is necessary.
- The influence of moisture and spore release on fungal infection rates in vineyards.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Visit VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/Prune to access, watch, or listen to top pruning content from Fritz including links to other podcast episodes related to pruning wound diseases.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. José Ramón Úrbez-Torres is a research scientist and plant pathologist for the Canadian Agriculture Department.
Connect with Jose via email joseramon.urbeztorres@AGR.GC.CA and view his work - https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/fields-science/dr-jose-ramon-urbez-torres
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Bahco Tools and by Sunridge Nurseries.
Thank you to Bahco for sponsoring today’s episode. As innovators for more than 165 years, Bahco has introduced the most advanced tools in the world, and Bacho products are manufactured in factories across Europe. I exclusively prune with the Bacho ERGO™ Bypass Secateurs with Elastomer Coated Fixed Handle (size medium). Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with loppers, hedging tools, cutting blades, files, and more.
Thank you to Sunridge Nurseries for sponsoring today’s episode. Sunridge Nurseries is the exclusive nursery sponsor of the Vineyard Underground podcast. They have been a family-owned company for over 45 years and their dedicated focus on quality and consistency has grown them into the largest supplier of grapevines in both North and South America and the industry leader in nursery standards. Visit them today at SunridgeNurseries.com and mention the code Underground to receive a podcast listener discount on your vine order.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Do you know what to prioritize in each stage of the growing season? In this episode, we broke down the priorities with vineyard management expert Matt Doyle based on the three main phases: bud burst through bloom, fruit set through veraison, and veraison through harvest. Listen in for a detailed overview of what growers should pay attention to during each stage for a successful growing season.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Matt’s journey from Cornell to California to owning Doyle Vineyard Management in the Finger Lakes region.
- Strategic diversification in vineyard operations, including leasing vineyards, selling grapes, and offering management services.
- Techniques for handling diverse grape varieties and seasonal challenges like spring frosts and mechanization.
- Planning and executing vineyard tasks from bud burst through harvest.
- Post-harvest strategies for maintaining vineyard health and productivity.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Register for Fritz’s FREE virtual live learning event, Breaking Bad Pruning Habits, on January 8th at 5 pm CST: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/breakingbad
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Matt Doyle is the founder and owner of Doyle Vineyard Management in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Doyle Vineyard Management is a premier grape grower within the Finger Lakes, NY region, as well as a full-service vineyard management company specializing in providing all aspects of custom vineyard management and consulting.
Connect with Matt at Doyle Vineyard Management or on Facebook or Instagram
Episode Sponsors:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Bahco Tools and by Shellt Grow Tubes.
Bahco makes the most precise and comfortable pruning shears on the market, which is why I have exclusively pruned with Bahco’s PX Model ERGO Bypass shears (size medium) for years because my hand gets much less fatigued thanks to their ergonomic design. Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market including their brand new P8 model precision shears, along with vineyard and orchard loppers, hedge shears, files, cutting blades, hand tools, and more.
Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND15 to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Since we are nearing the end of 2024, this episode is a light-hearted conversation between four viticulture friends. As some of you may know, I started my career in viticulture in 1999. Three of my friends also began their grape growing journey that same year: Erin Amaral, Paul Crout, and Randy Heinzen.
In this episode, I’m joined by Erin, Paul, and Randy for a conversation about our experiences in the vineyard industry over the past 25 years. Listen in to this fun episode as we talk about how the industry has grown and changed and share our favorite stories over the last two and a half decades.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What the viticulture industry used to be like back in 1999
- What has changed in the past 25 years
- Technological advancements and research improvements
- What we can expect for the future of viticulture
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Register for Fritz’s FREE virtual live learning event, Breaking Bad Pruning Habits on January 8th at 5 pm CST: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/breakingbad.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guests:
Erin Amaral is a vineyard manager for Pacific Coast Farming in San Luis Obispo, California and a licensed Pest Control Advisor.
Connect with Erin at Pacific Coast Farming or via email at erin@pacificcoastfarming.com.
Paul Crout is a Pest Control Advisor and Certified Crop Advisor, and one of the foremost experts on wine grape nutrition and spray adjuvants. He currently works as an Agronomist with Helena Agri-Enterprises in California.
Connect with Paul on LinkedIn or via email at winepca@gmail.com.
Randy Heinzen is a global vineyard management expert who has worked with some of the world’s most sought-after vineyards. He is the owner and president of Vineyard Professional Services (VPS) in Paso Robles, CA. VPS currently manages over 4,000 acres across three counties along CA’s Central Coast.
Connect with Randy at Vineyard Professional Services.com or via email at rheinzen@vineyardpro.com.
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to our friends over at SensorInsight for sponsoring today’s episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Custom crush facilities are becoming a popular choice for grape growers who want to make wine without the hefty investment of building a full-scale winery. In this episode, industry experts Ryan Horn from Vintner's Vault and Greg Stokes from Ursa Vineyards and Bending Branch Winery share insights on this topic.
Listen in for an overview of what a custom crush is, who it is for, and how much you can expect to pay per bottle of finished wine.
In this episode, you will hear
- Advantages of custom crush facilities for grape growers
- Significance of custom crush services
- Supply and demand cycles in the grape industry and the role of custom crush facilities
- Traditional custom crush versus alternative proprietorships
- Logistics, legal considerations, and potential financial risks involved in custom crush operations
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Register for Fritz’s FREE virtual live learning event, Breaking Bad Pruning Habits, on January 8th at 5 pm CST
https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/breakingbad.
Download Fritz’s member-only Crop Estimation Tips guide - https://mailchi.mp/virtualviticultureacademy.com/crop-estimation-tips
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guests:
Ryan Horn is an award-winning winemaker and the founder and owner of The Vintner Vault – a leading winery equipment design and consulting company.
Website: https://www.thevintnervault.com/ Email: info@thevintnervault.com
Greg Stokes is an award-winning winemaker for Ursa Vineyards in the Sierra Foothills of California and Bending Branch Winery in the Texas Hill Country.
Websites: https://www.ursavineyards.com & https://www.bendingbranchwinery.com/
Email: info@ursavineyards.com
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Sunridge Nurseries for sponsoring today’s episode. Sunridge Nurseries is the exclusive nursery sponsor of the Vineyard Underground podcast. They have been a family-owned company for over 45 years and their dedicated focus on quality and consistency has grown them into the largest supplier of grapevines in both North and South America and the industry leader in nursery standards. Visit them today at SunridgeNurseries.com and mention the code Underground to receive a podcast listener discount on your vine order.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Late season vineyard management is important for preparing your vineyard between harvest and dormancy, or whenever the ground freezes, depending on your location. In this episode, we cover each of the three main areas this period focuses on: compost application, vineyard floor management, and dormant season spraying.
Listen in for late season vineyard management tips on composting, cover crops, and sprays.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Benefits and considerations of using compost to improve soil structure and provide slow-release nutrients.
- Post-harvest fertilization tips, including nutrient timing and selection.
- Cover cropping for erosion prevention and soil health enhancement.
- Which cover crops to use and their benefits.
- Dormant spraying techniques to prevent fungal diseases and protect pruning wounds.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Register for Fritz’s FREE virtual live learning event, Breaking Bad Pruning Habits, on January 8th at 5 pm CST
https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/breakingbad
Access additional compost resources and information from Fritz - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/compost
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Sunridge Nurseries for sponsoring today’s episode. Sunridge Nurseries is the exclusive nursery sponsor of the Vineyard Underground podcast. They have been a family-owned company for over 45 years and their dedicated focus on quality and consistency has grown them into the largest supplier of grapevines in both North and South America and the industry leader in nursery standards. Visit them today at SunridgeNurseries.com and mention the code Underground to receive a podcast listener discount on your vine order.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Ever wonder if removing leaves from young vines speeds up their growth? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. In this episode, we put five grape growing myths to bed and give you the clarity you need to nurture a thriving vineyard. Listen in to learn what the top five misheard grape growing concepts are – and find out if you are guilty of any of them.
Whether you're a newbie grower or a seasoned pro, be prepared because your vineyard management practices might be turned on its head!
In this episode, you will hear:
- What happens when you remove leaves off young vines
- The importance of mature leaves in carbohydrate production and young vine training
- Whether competition from undervine crops is a good or bad thing
- Strategic use of fertilizers and risks of excessive nitrogen and potassium
- Pruning tips: timing, pre-pruning, and managing labor efficiently
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Schedule your 15-minute FREE vineyard help call with Fritz for the week of December 9th at www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/call.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Access over 50 FREE topical vineyard Grower Guides and videos from Fritz at www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides.
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Sunridge Nurseries for sponsoring today’s episode. Sunridge Nurseries is the exclusive nursery sponsor of the Vineyard Underground podcast. They have been a family-owned company for over 45 years and their dedicated focus on quality and consistency has grown them into the largest supplier of grapevines in both North and South America and the industry leader in nursery standards. Visit them today at SunridgeNurseries.com and mention the code Underground to receive a podcast listener discount on your vine order.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, we have a conversation on modern powdery mildew management with an expert on the subject, Dr. Michelle Moyer. A plant pathologist by training, Dr. Moyer is a professor and viticulture extension specialist at Washington State University. She has worked on the East Coast and the West Coast, helping people understand disease and pest pressures in their vineyards. Although the pressures are different on each side of the country, the principles are the same. Whether you are new or experienced in grape growing, you will gain valuable information from this episode with Dr. Moyer.
Listen in to learn about modern powdery mildew management so you can prevent an outbreak at your vineyard.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What powdery mildew is and how it affects grape vines
- What grape varieties are commonly affected by mildew
- The effect of UV and UVB light on plants with powdery mildew
- Conventional, organic, and biological spray products
- What do you do if you get an outbreak of powdery mildew
- What is the FRAME Network and Dr. Moyer’s role in it
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Schedule your 15-minute FREE vineyard help call with Fritz for the week of December 9th at www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/call.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Access over 50 FREE topical vineyard Grower Guides and videos from Fritz at www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Michelle Moyer is a Professor & Viticulture Extension Specialist with Washington State University.
Connect with Michelle and view her research:
- Website: https://wine.wsu.edu/faculty/michelle-moyer/
- Email: michelle.moyer@wsu.edu
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to our friends over at SensorInsight for sponsoring today’s episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
The Virginia wine industry has experienced a phenomenal transformation over the past three decades, largely attributed to the efforts of dedicated individuals like Dr. Tony Wolf. From a mere six wineries in 1980, Virginia now boasts a $1.5 billion industry with over 300 wineries.
In this episode, Dr. Wolf discusses what it was like when the wine industry began in Virginia in the 1980s, what challenges growers faced, and where they saw success.
Listen in to learn how grape growing has become a booming industry over the past 30 years.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The challenges Virginia grape growers faced in the 1980s.
- How Dr. Wolf impacted the wine industry in Virginia.
- The growth of canopy management practices, especially VSP.
- What makes vineyards successful in any location.
- What Dr. Wolf would tell himself 25 years ago.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
If you’re starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, visit VirtualViticulureAcademy.com/growsmart to get Fritz’s online Prospective Winegrape Grower Course to help you get your vineyard planned and planted correctly from the start. Use the code PODCAST at check out to save $89.00 as a thank you for being a podcast listener.
See the photos of the surprise gift Tony put in the accordion case.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Tony Wolf recently retired from a 36-year-long career at Virginia Tech, where he served as a professor of viticulture and the head of the school’s agricultural extension and research center.
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to our friends over at SensorInsight for sponsoring today’s episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
This episode is part two of our conversation with Kevin Ker of Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute. We continue discussing cold climate vineyard management and how to help cold damaged vines thrive for years. Dr. Ker shares strategies for site establishment, seasonal management practices, and methods for assessing and renewing grapevines after winter damage.
Join us for part two of our cold climate viticulture conversation and learn how to optimize your vineyard's health and productivity.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Cold climate vineyard management fundamentals.
- Unique advantages of cold climate vineyards and handling cold-damaged vines.
- Techniques for vineyard renewal and fruitful pruning after winter freezes.
- Impact of extreme cold temperatures on vinifera and hybrid grape varieties.
- Various pruning strategies for vineyard recovery.
- Practical advice on sequential renewal and infrastructure reestablishment.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Register for Fritz’s FREE virtual pop-up learning event focused on late season composting and nutrition on Oct 7th from 5-5:45 PM Central time. VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/popup. Get Fritz’s Prospective Winegrape Grower Course – with over 5 hours of guided video content, this course shows you through examples, illustrations, and more what you need to know to make good decisions from the start for growing a successful vineyard. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to get the course for only $200.00.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Kevin Ker currently works as a research associate for Brock University Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute. Connect with Kevin:
- Website: https://brocku.ca/ccovi/
- Email: kker@brocku.ca
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Clemens Technologies for sponsoring today’s episode. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Growing grapes in a cold climate presents unique challenges that are often more about dealing with winter injury than the growing season itself. According to Dr. Kevin Ker from Brock University’s Cool Climate Enology and Viticulture Institute, the temperatures outside the growing season are what set cold climate viticulture apart. Ensuring vines live for 25 years rather than just five to seven years involves strategies and practices specifically for harsh winter conditions.
This episode is part one of our conversation with Dr. Ker. Listen in to learn about managing cold climate vineyards and cold damaged vines.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How to establish a vineyard in cold climates and what the core principles of establishing a vineyard are
- Strategies for managing cold climate vineyards
- Impact of winter temperatures, growing degree days, and frost-free days on grape growing
- How to approach fertilization and nutrient management for cold climate vineyards
- Various pruning techniques and how they differ from warmer weather climates
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Kevin Ker currently works as a research associate for Brock University Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute. Connect with Kevin:
- Website: https://brocku.ca/ccovi/
- Email: kker@brocku.ca
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Vintner’s Vault for sponsoring today’s episode! Vintner’s Vault was started and is operated by winemakers, so they have the knowledge and experience to help you make an educated decision on the equipment purchases and winery set up and layouts that are best for you. They are the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers, who are also winemakers.
Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, we sit down with Andy Niner, President of Niner Wine Estates, and Craig Macmillan, their Critical Resource Manager, to discuss sustainable vineyard management. The episode covers innovative water and soil management techniques, including rainwater capture, advanced monitoring tools, composting, and mechanical weed management. We also go over pest and disease management and what records to keep. Tune in to learn about the economic considerations of sustainable practices, the importance of quality over yield, and tips on improving sustainability in your vineyard operations.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why choose the SIP certification
- How water management has evolved at Niner Wine Estates
- How to incorporate composting into your soil management
- Hands-on materials Niner Wine Estates uses for input
- What pest management looks like in a sustainable vineyard
- The importance of record keeping for your vineyard
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today’s Guest:
Andy Niner is the president of Niner Wine Estates in Paso Robles, CA and Craig Macmillan serves as the Critical Resource Manager for Niner Wine Estates. Niner Wine Estates is a near-perfect picture of sustainability with 3 SIP-certified vineyards, a SIP-certified winery, and a LEED Silver Certified and solar-powered tasting room and winery. Niner Wine Estates:
- Website: https://www.ninerwine.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ninerwine
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ninerwineestates/
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Clemens Technologies for sponsoring today’s episode. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
We are back with everyone’s favorite kind of episode – a Q&A! This time, we are answering questions about harvest time. Questions came in from all over, including North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, and even Portugal. Listen in to learn about irrigation post-harvest, late-season strategies, issues with high titratable acidity, and more.
As harvest season approaches, remember that we're here to provide valuable insights and support you as a grape grower. Enjoy the episode and happy harvesting!
In this episode, you will hear:
- If and when to turn off water before harvest to concentrate sugars
- How much to irrigate post-harvest and before dormancy
- Products to use to control late-season downy mildew infections
- Late-season strategies for heat stress protection
- What to do about pale green vines after harvest
- What to do if your berries are splitting
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Resources;
Want Fritz to answer your grape growing questions live? Get a FREE Guest Pass for an upcoming Live Vineyard Advising session and get advice and answers for your specific vineyard questions from Fritz!
Download Fritz’s FREE Young Vine Care – Dormancy Preparation Grower Guide for information on proper irrigation for young vines in the harvest to dormancy period, along with the other considerations for young vines.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today’s episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. And as grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, we dive into Arizona's unique wine scene with a panel of guests: Todd Bostock of Dos Cabezas WineWorks, Kent Callaghan of Callaghan Vineyards, and Pavle Milic of Los Milics Vineyards. Arizona's vineyards face a unique set of challenges, including extreme shifts in weather, from scorching heat to freezing temperatures, alongside hail, monsoons, and droughts. Despite these difficulties, our guests share how certain varieties not only survive but thrive, producing outstanding wines that truly capture the essence of Arizona's diversity.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The history of wine and grape growing in Arizona
- Where there was a momentum shift and Arizona wine began growing in popularity
- The difference in the Sonoita to Elgin and Wilcox to Elfrida areas
- The wine varieties our experts like to grow and those they decided not to replant
- The challenges of growing a vineyard in an Arizona climate
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
If you’re starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, visit VirtualViticulureAcademy.com/growsmart to get my online Prospective Winegrape Grower Course to help you get your vineyard planned and planted correctly from the start. Use the code PODCAST at check out to get the course for only $200.00 as a thank you for being a podcast listener.
Today’s Guest:
Kent Callaghan is the founder and owner of the award-winning Callaghan Vineyards in Elgin, AZ.
- Website: https://www.callaghanvineyards.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CallaghanVineyards
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callaghanvineyards/
Todd Bostock is the owner and winemaker of the beautiful Dos Cabezas WineWorks in Sonoita, AZ.
- Website: https://www.doscabezas.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dos.Cabezas
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doscabezas
Pavle Milic is the co-owner of the award-winning restaurant FnB in Scottsdale and the co-owner and winemaker of Los Milics Vineyards in Elgin, AZ.
- Website: https://losmilicsvineyards.com/
- FnB Restaurant: https://www.fnbrestaurant.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063532092842
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/losmilicsvineyards
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Vintner’s Vault for sponsoring today’s episode! Vintner’s Vault was started and is operated by winemakers, so they have the knowledge and experience to help you make an educated decision on the equipment purchases and winery setup and layouts that are best for you. They are the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers who are also winemakers. Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, we have a conversation with Luca Paschina, the estate director and winemaker for Barboursville Vineyards in Virginia. A third-generation winemaker from Alba, Italy, Luca has worked in Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Napa, and the Finger Lakes before settling in Virginia, where he expanded Barboursville Vineyards from 38 to 180 acres. Integrating Italian, French, and other grape varieties and techniques, Luca discusses the challenges of growing Italian grapes like Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Moscato in Virginia's climate and his strategic vineyard management.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Challenges and successes in cultivating Italian grape varieties like Moscato, Barbera, and Nebbiolo in Virginia.
- Techniques and strategies for vineyard management in Virginia's climate.
- The flagship wine of Barboursville Vineyards, Octagon, and its blends.
- The challenges of growing Italian white varietals like Vermentino, Fiano, and Falanghina.
- Comparisons of vineyard practices between Italy and Virginia, including site selection and vine management.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Resources:
Get Fritz’s Prospective Winegrape Grower Course – with over 5 hours of guided video content, this course shows you through examples, illustrations, and more what you need to know to make good decisions from the start for growing a successful vineyard. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to get the course for only $200.00.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Luca Paschina is a third-generation winemaker from Alba, Italy, and is the estate director and winemaker for Barboursville Vineyards in Virginia. Connect with Luca:
- Barboursville Vineyards Website: https://www.bbvwine.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarboursvilleVineyards/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barboursvillevineyards/
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today’s episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In the cycle of vineyard management, every season brings its unique set of challenges and opportunities. As we navigate past fruit set but not quite at veraison, our focus should pivot to protecting and enhancing the quality of the fruit that is already on the vines. This period demands precise interventions to ensure the health and quality of our crops.
In this episode, Fritz shares the six key areas of vineyard management that can easily go awry in this midsummer season and how to avoid those mistakes in your vineyard. Listen in to learn what not to do so you can have a thriving vineyard this summer.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What improper canopy management looks like and how to hedge effectively
- What a “taco canopy” is and how to manage it
- The risk of summer sprays and alternatives to avoid burning plants
- The best time to add fertilizer (aka nitrogen)
- Why you shouldn’t take off leaves with chlorosis
- The importance of controlling weeds early on
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Clemens Technologies for sponsoring today’s episode. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Markus Keller of Washington State University on the advances in vineyard nutrition monitoring. Dr. Keller shares his extensive knowledge of the importance of nutrient management in viticulture, drawing from his rich background and current research. We discuss strategies for regulated deficit nutrition management, winter survival tactics, emerging technologies like remote sensing for precision nutrient management, and much more.
Listen in and soak up the information that Dr. Keller shares with us about all things vineyard nutrition monitoring.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Importance of nutrient management for wine quality and vine longevity.
- Nutrient cycling and management, including the role of natural sources and the impact of nutrient losses during harvest and pruning.
- What regulated deficit nutrition management (RDN) is and what its benefits for enhancing grape quality are.
- Advice on tissue sampling and nutrient budgeting, especially in vineyards practicing deficit irrigation.
- The potential of remote sensing technologies for precision nutrient applications.
- How climate change impacts vineyards.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Visit Virtual Viticulture Academy Grower Guide Resources for access to target nutrient values, guides to leaf and petiole sampling, and other nutrient-related content.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Markus Keller of Washington State University is a renowned viticulture researcher and the author of The Science of Grapevines - a top reference book in the industry.
Connect with Markus – Research Website | Email | Order - The Science of Grapevines 3rd Edition | Listen to the HiRes Vineyard Nutrition Podcast
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Vintner’s Vault for sponsoring today’s episode! Vintner’s Vault was started and is operated by winemakers, so they have the knowledge and experience to help you make an educated decision on the equipment purchases and winery setup and layouts that are best for you. They are the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers who are also winemakers.
Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Join us in this episode with Dr. Mark Krasnow, an acclaimed plant physiologist and the founder of Thoughtful Viticulture. From the landscapes of New Zealand, Dr. Krasnow takes us on a journey from budding winemaker to viticulture expert. Although we could discuss many topics with him, this discussion focuses on crop regulation and fruit thinning strategies.
Many vineyard management techniques are universal, while others are location-specific. Listen in to learn some new strategies and begin implementing them in your vineyard.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Reasons growers choose to reduce crop in their vineyard or aim for a specific crop load on their vines.
- When to thin and start cropping young vines, including a strategy for guidelines.
- Differences in crop regulation needs when cane pruned versus spur pruned.
- What research tells us about fruit removal from shoots during the growing season.
- Pros and cons of early versus late fruit removal.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
- Listen to Episode 23 - Debunking the Low Yield = High Quality Myth with Dr. Patty Skinkis to learn more about the true relationship between yield and quality.
- Listen to Episode 17 - Using Sheep in Regenerative Agriculture with Kelly Mulville to learn more about using sheep in the vineyard.
- Download Fritz’s member-only Crop Estimation Grower Guide to learn how to estimate, when to estimate, and tips for improving estimation accuracy.
- Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
- If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Mark Krasnow is a renowned plant physiologist and consultant and the founder of Thoughtful Viticulture – a company that helps vineyards grow the highest quality fruit in the most sustainable and efficient manner possible.
Connect with Mark at thoughtfulviticulture.com and follow him @drkraz.
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today’s episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. And as grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, we are back with another Q&A with my friend Jim Duane of Inside Winemaking. Back in episode 42, we answered some great listener questions about preparing your property, getting started in grape growing, managing pests, etc. We had so many questions pour in that we needed to make this a two-part series. To learn more about Jim and hear the first batch of questions, please jump back to episode 42. Otherwise, tune in for more of your burning grape growing questions answered!
In this episode, you will hear:
- If it’s best to drop fruit or carry fruit on the shoots that will be next year's cane
- The best practices for early shoot thinning to optimize carbohydrate distribution
- Effective strategies for managing powdery mildew in vineyards
- How sunlight and temperature impact red grape quality
- What the pest pressures are throughout the US
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Want Fritz to answer your grape growing questions live? Get a FREE Guest Pass for an upcoming Live Vineyard Advising session and get advice and answers for your specific vineyard questions from Fritz!
Download Fritz’s member-only Crop Estimation Grower Guide to learn how to estimate, when to estimate, and tips for improving estimation accuracy.
If you have ideas for future episodes or questions about today’s episode, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Jim Duane is the head winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in Napa Valley and the host of the Inside Winemaking podcast.
Connect with Jim, learn about upcoming winemaking courses and classes, and listen to the podcast at InsideWinemaking.com.
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Vintner’s Vault for sponsoring today’s episode! Vintner’s Vault was started and is operated by winemakers, so they have the knowledge and experience to help you make an educated decision on the equipment purchases and winery set up and layouts that are best for you. They are the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers who are also winemakers.
Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, I have a conversation with Dr. Marcelo Moretti on some best practices for vineyard floor management. We discuss integrated weed management strategies, the use of organic herbicides, and the implementation of cover crops to promote vine health and combat weeds. Dr. Moretti also shares the challenges and advantages of various non-traditional methods, including the use of traditional and novel mechanical tools.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Methods to manage a vineyard floor other than conventional herbicides.
- The ecological and economic benefits of alternative approaches.
- Cover crops and the importance of cordon height for sheep grazing.
- Selection and adaptation of mechanical weed control tools.
- Common mistakes when transitioning to mechanized vineyard management.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
- Listen to Episode 17 to learn more about using sheep in the vineyard.
- View Marcelo Moretti’s weed-zapping machine video.
- Visit VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/newgrower to register to learn more about the NEW Young Vineyard Management Course. Use the code UNDERGROUND50 at checkout to get $50 off the regular course price through the end of June 2024.
- If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Marcelo Moretti is an associate professor at Oregon State University and serves as a research and extension specialist for weed science in perennial horticultural crops. His research is focused on integrated weed management aiming to develop strategies that are effective and economical to manage weeds in organic and conventional production systems.
Connect with Marcelo:
- Research Website: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/people/marcelo-moretti
- Email: morettim@oregonstate.edu
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Clemens Technologies for sponsoring today’s episode. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
The first few months as a new grower can be the most nerve-wracking time of vineyard management. Everything is brand new and a little intimidating. Even a bug on a plant can be enough to raise an alarm because you simply don’t know if it’s going to ravage your vineyard or not. Viticulture consultant, Mark Chien joins me today to talk about surviving and thriving in the first few months after vine planting.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The important considerations during the first three months after planting a new vineyard
- How important robust root establishment is for the future growth of the vines
- What the best practices are for vine training and trellising in new vineyards
- How soil, water availability, and nutrient levels impact early vineyard growth
- What strategies growers should employ to balance vine vigor
- The effective defense strategies against pests, like invasive weeds and deer
- How new growers can protect young vines from environmental threats and ensure healthy development
Episode Resources:
Visit VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/YoungVineyard to register for the FREE Essentials of Young Vineyard Management sip and learn event on May 20th or to learn more about the NEW Young Vineyard Management Course. Use the code UNDERGROUND50 at checkout to get $50 off the regular course price through the end of June 2024.
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Mark Chien is currently a private viticulture consultant in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland following his extensive career in the wine industry with highlights including working as the vineyard manager for the world-class Temperance Hill vineyard, becoming the first wine grape extension educator for Penn State, and serving as the program coordinator for Oregon Wine Research Institute.
Connect with - marklchien@outlook.com
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Shellt Grow Tubes for sponsoring today’s episode. Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND15 to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, our guest Randy Heinzen, a vine management and vineyard business expert, discusses vine planting and site preparation for new vineyards or for existing growers looking to add new vineyard blocks. Randy, the owner and president of Vineyard Professional Services (VPS) in Paso Robles, CA, is a leading global expert in vineyard management.
Listen in for an educational episode full of vine planting and site preparation tips from a vineyard management expert.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The significance of soil sampling, understanding site history, and planning ahead for soil evaluation.
- Understanding vine arrival logistics, differences between dormant and potted vines, and the importance of working irrigation before planting.
- Pros and cons of hand planting versus mechanical planting.
- The planting process, preparation for tall vines, and effects of climate changes on vine trellising strategies.
- Vine spacing, site-specific considerations for vineyard setup, and the importance of efficient planning.
Resources:
Visit VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/YoungVineyard to register for the FREE Essentials of Young Vineyard Management sip and learn event on May 20th or to learn more about the NEW Young Vineyard Management Course and to get a discount code for $100.00 off the course!
Get the member-only Instructions for Successful Soil Sampling Grower Guide to learn why, when, and how to correctly soil sample.
FREE Planting Grower Guides:
- Preparing for New Plantings
- Hand Planting Dormant Grapevines
- Trimming Back Newly Planted Own-Rooted Grape Vines
Watch the Bingham Family Vineyards planting reel that Fritz mentions during the episode.
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Randy Heinzen is a leading global vineyard management expert who has worked with some of the world's most sought-after vineyards. He is the owner and president of Vineyard Professional Services (VPS) in Paso Robles, CA. VPS currently manages over 4,000 acres across three counties along CA’s Central Coast.
Connect with Randy – Vineyard Professional Services.com
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Shellt Grow Tubes for sponsoring today’s episode. Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND15 to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, I have the pleasure of having a Q&A session with Jim Duane from Inside Winemaking. Jim has always been interested in winemaking and has been working in Napa Valley for over 20 years. Together, we are answering top questions submitted by listeners. We answer questions pertaining to replacing dead vines, digging in hardpan, natural pesticide use, and many, many more.
Listen in as we answer these questions, and if you have questions of your own, get in touch! We’d love to answer them on the next Q&A episode.
In this episode, you will hear:
- If old vines produce fewer grapes.
- If you have to break through hardpan and how far down you need to go.
- Our thoughts on organic, biodynamic, and regenerative agriculture.
- How much space vines really need.
- What the best source of vine material is.
- The significance of deep roots.
- What natural pesticides can replace synthetic, chemical pesticides.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Want Fritz to answer your grape growing questions live? Get a FREE Guest Pass for an upcoming Live Vineyard Advising session and get advice and answers for your specific vineyard questions from Fritz!
If you are a new or prospective vineyard owner, check out Fritz’s Prospective Winegrape Grower Course. If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Learn more about Biological Products with Vineyard Underground Episode 40: Understanding Biological Products with Dr. Pam Marrone.
Today’s Guest:
Jim Duane is the head winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in Napa Valley and the host of the Inside Winemaking podcast.
Connect with Jim, learn about upcoming winemaking courses and classes, and listen to the podcast at InsideWinemaking.com.
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today’s episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. And as grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs.
As a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Is your vineyard irrigated? If so, then this episode is for you! Dr. Franklin Gaudi, executive vice president of design for Laurel Ag & Water, is on the show to discuss the often-overlooked topic of irrigation distribution uniformity (DU). Distribution uniformity measures how evenly water gets applied to the field, and it’s a topic that’s not taken as seriously as it should be.
DU can make or break your vineyard when some vines get too much water, and others get none at all. In this episode, we discuss why DU is important and provide information so you can start with an irrigation system right for your vineyard. Listen in now!
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why irrigation distribution matters and why growers need to be on top of it.
- Identifying common issues affecting distribution uniformity, such as pressure variations and clogged emitters, and their impact on vine health.
- How to conduct distribution uniformity tests and maintain irrigation system efficiency.
- The balance between emitters and system pressure.
- The role of pressure regulation and investing in quality equipment for long-term vineyard success.
- Actionable solutions and resources for grape growers to optimize water distribution and enhance crop productivity.
Resources:
Access free Irrigation Evaluation resources from Cal Poly, including spreadsheets for six types of irrigation systems.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Franklin Gaudi is the executive vice president of design for Laurel Ag & Water in California with a focus on redefining the industry standard for irrigation design. Prior to his current role, Franklin was an assistant professor and project manager for the Irrigation Training and Research Center at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo.
Connect with Dr. Franklin Gaudi:
- Website: https://laurel-ag.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurelagandwater
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurelagandwater
- Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurel-ag
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Shellt Grow Tubes for sponsoring today’s episode. Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND15 to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
The future of viticulture is evolving as the focus on sustainable agriculture improves and the search for environmentally friendly solutions becomes a priority. One of the most exciting areas in this sustainable revolution is the use of agricultural biologicals. Biologics are not new to the agricultural scene, but their potential is now being more fully realized in both conventional and organic viticulture.
In this episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Pam Marrone, a trailblazer in the realm of agricultural biologicals. Pam has a long list of credentials and accolades in biological products, making her an esteemed expert in the field. Listen in to discover the value of integrating these natural solutions into your pest management strategy and why understanding biological products' function and proper use can positively impact plant health and crop yield.
Join us to learn the economic and ecological benefits of biologicals, pest control management strategies, and much more.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What Bacillus Thuringiensis (BT) is and what you need to know about it.
- What the term “biological” means to grape growers.
- What the types of modes of action are.
- What can decrease the efficacy or be incompatible with biologicals.
- The benefits of using biologicals all season long and for the long term.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Check out episode 38 with Dr. Akif Eskalen for more information on biologicals for pruning wounds.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Pam Marrone is an award-winning and well-recognized leader in the agricultural biologicals industry. Over her career, she has founded and run several successful biological focused companies that have developed and brought numerous products to market. She now serves as the co-founder and Executive Chair of the Invasive Species Corporation and the associated not-for-profit Invasive Species Research Institute, formed to deploy biologicals for control of invasive species in water, forestry, and agriculture.
Connect with Pam:
- Invasive Species Corporation Website: https://invasivespeciescorporation.com/
- Email: pam@invasivespeciescorporation.com
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/InvasiveSppFdn
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Shellt Grow Tubes for sponsoring today’s episode. Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND15 to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
A common conversation in vineyard management is knowing how to spray your vineyard effectively. On today's episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Andrew Landers, who wrote the book on vineyard spraying. He brings more than 30 years of research and development on vineyard and orchard spraying technologies and techniques to share with us.
In this episode, we discuss various tools and techniques to get the most out of your equipment and your product. This ranges from backpack sprayers when first starting to the best types of nozzles and how to calibrate your equipment for the most effective-sized droplets. Blasting clouds of spray into the air is a waste of product and something we’d like to leave in our past. Dr. Landers focuses on effectively getting the droplets from the nozzle to the plant and ensuring long-lasting equipment and a well-sprayed vineyard.
Listen in to learn all about effectively spraying your vineyard and helping your grapes thrive.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What factors affect an effective spray, and why air blasting is a thing of the past.
- Strategies for optimizing sprayer airflow and coverage.
- The product concentration in the tank versus the actual product rate per acre.
- How to know that the product is hitting the target.
- Difference between a canopy and herbicide nozzle.
- Common mistakes in vineyard spraying
- Sprayer technologies that Dr. Landers thinks have the most potential.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Visit effectivespraying.com to purchase Dr. Andrew Landers’ book Effective Vineyard Spraying or his other books - Effective Orchard Spraying and the Farm Machinery Book.
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Andrew Landers is an award-winning researcher and author and currently works as a consultant in precision spray technology. Previously, he directed the application technology program for Cornell University’s New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York, where he focused on using engineering solutions to provide more effective and safer spraying.
Connect with Andrew:
- Website: https://effectivespraying.com/
- Email: effectivespraying@gmail.com
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to our friends at Bahco for their sponsorship of today’s episode. As innovators for more than 165 years, Bahco has introduced the most advanced tools in the world, and Bacho products are manufactured in factories across Europe. I exclusively prune with the Bacho ERGO™ Bypass Secateurs with Elastomer Coated Fixed Handle (size medium). Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with hedging tools, tying tools, picking tools, and more.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Do you understand pruning wounds, infections of pruning wounds, and how to protect your vines? Grapevine pruning is an essential vineyard management practice that helps maintain plant health and fruit quality. However, this practice also exposes vines to various fungal diseases that can be detrimental to vineyard health. It’s important to know how to prevent harm and promote recovery if your vines become infected.
In this episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Akif Eskalen from the UC Davis Department of Plant Pathology on pruning wound protection and the new products available for protecting pruning wounds. Dr. Akif specializes in the identification, biology, epidemiology, and control of fungal pathogens on vines, small fruits, berries, and palm fruits in California. He is also an expert in conventional and biological products that can help your vineyard thrive.
Listen in for a multitude of tips to protect your vineyard from infections.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How infections enter vines through pruning wounds.
- How spores then find their way into pruning wounds and cause infection.
- If pruning shears are a concern for contaminating a pruning wound.
- How to deal with the sap flow and protect against reinfection.
- The synthetic products that work and don’t work.
- The field of biologicals and alternative products.
- How the Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) works.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
The biologicals mentioned by name in today’s episode are Bio-Tam, Vintec, & Botector.
If you want to learn more about protecting your pruning wounds, you can check out the FREE grower guide Preventing Grapevine Trunk Diseases available at VirtualViticultureAcademy.com.
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Akif Eskalen is a plant pathologist with UC Davis specializing in the identification, biology, epidemiology, and control of fungal pathogens on vines, small fruits and berries, and pome fruits in California.
Connect with Akif:
- Research Website: https://ucanr.edu/sites/eskalenlab/
- Fruit Crop Fungicide Efficacy Trials: https://ucanr.edu/sites/eskalenlab/Fruit_Crop_Fungicide_Trials/
- Email: aeskalen@ucdavis.edu
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
In today's episode, we are talking about unique or alternative pruning scenarios and methods with guests John Thull and Marco Tessari. We discuss viticulture for cold climates, unique pruning techniques from around the globe, and more. John has a degree in biology with a plant focus and spent time in Germany doing an apprenticeship. He now lives in Minnesota, where the temperatures can get well below freezing, and specializes in grape breeding and enology, with a focus on cold-climate grapes and wine. Marco is from Italy and is back on the episode for the second time to discuss two unusual pruning techniques: the Sylvoz and Cazenave methods.
Listen in as we talk about these non-traditional vineyard pruning techniques.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How John pioneered cold-hardy grapes at the University of Minnesota that can withstand extreme winter temperatures.
- What techniques, such as 'insurance buds' and 'spare parts pruning' are.
- The unique pruning methods for maintaining vine health and grape quality in cold climates.
- Global variations in vine pruning practices from Marco.
- Vineyard management challenges in cold climates.
- Descriptions of the Sylvoz and Cazenave pruning techniques.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Register for Fritz’s free live virtual learning event, Vine Pruning Strategies That Most Growers are Missing, happening on Monday, February 5th at 6 PM CST.
Get Fritz’s Young Vine Training & Vineyard Innovations video course covering bonus canes and spurs and some other unique pruning scenarios. This member-only content is available to podcast listeners through March 31st.
The pruning methods that Marco describes are the Sylvoz and Cazenave techniques.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
John Thull is a researcher at the University of Minnesota. John specializes in Grape Breeding and Enology with a focus on cold climate grapes and wine.
Connect with John - Website | Email | Instagram
Marco Tessari is an international pruning expert based out of Montebelluna, Italy. Marco works with vineyards all over the world in person and virtually and is revolutionizing the art and science of vineyard pruning.
Connect with Marco – Email
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to our friends at Bahco for their sponsorship of today’s episode. As innovators for more than 165 years, Bahco has introduced the most advanced tools in the world, and Bacho products are manufactured in factories across Europe. I exclusively prune with the Bacho ERGO™ Bypass Secateurs with Elastomer Coated Fixed Handle (size medium). Visit https://www.bahco.com/int_en/ to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with hedging tools, tying tools, picking tools, and more.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Happy New Year! In this episode, we welcome Joe Juniper of Vermillion Valley Vineyards, the second-largest vineyard in Ohio. In close proximity to Lake Erie, Joe is with us to discuss what it is like to grow vinifera in an area with very harsh winters. Joe has become an expert in managing extreme temperatures and precipitation variances, including mastering innovative cold pruning practices.
Growers in northern climates typically grow cold-specific, hardy hybrids, but through some unique practices, Joe has mastered growing vinifera in a harsh winter climate. He may have some nice days to ripen vinifera during the season, but you won’t find how to survive the winters in vine training textbooks.
Listen in as Joe shares some of his cold-weather pruning and vine training practices with us.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Joe’s concept for vine pruning and how it differs in his location.
- The “bonus cane pruning system” and “spare parts viticulture.”
- Strategies for vineyard design to prevent disease and promote vine health.
- The importance of bud count and spur positioning for ideal fruit yields.
- The differences between spur pruning and cane pruning.
- Pre-pruning practices to protect vines from winter damage.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Register for Fritz’s free live virtual learning event, Vine Pruning Strategies That Most Growers are Missing, happening on Monday, February 5th at 6 PM CST.
Get Fritz’s Young Vine Training & Vineyard Innovations video course covering bonus canes and spurs and some other unique pruning scenarios. This member-only content is available to podcast listeners through March 31st.
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today’s Guest:
Joe Juniper is the co-owner and winemaker at Vermillion Valley Vineyards in Vermillion, Ohio. Connect with Joe - Website | Facebook | Instagram
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
We are closing out the year with a grower Q&A episode! In this episode, Fritz is answering questions from growers all across the country on topics ranging from pre-pruning to disease prevention for 2024 and all things in between.
Listen in, as you may have had some of these same questions in your vineyard, and stay tuned for more grower Q&A episodes in the future!
In this episode, you will hear:
- How much pre-pruning can I do before the final pruning, and how early can I get started with that pre-pruning?
- When/how do you recommend applying pre-bud burst sprays of products like sulfuric acid or lime sulfur to knock down disease inoculum?
- What are your suggestions for fungicides besides Topsin M for vine cuts and wounds?
- Is it better to do a diagonal cut through your canes or a blunt square cut?
- What causes flat or bullwood to form in my grapes?
- Fritz’s recommended vine disease handbook.
- What can I do to prevent Pierce's disease in my Vitis vinifera vines?
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to our friends over at SensorInsight for their sponsorship of today’s episode. SensorInsight provides actionable information for your vineyard operations. Their mobile app and dashboard visualizations provide irrigation, weather, and soil moisture analytics from your sensor systems. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Have you considered having your grape growing operation sustainably certified? In this episode, I have a conversation with Beth Vukmanic from the Vineyard Team on the impact and importance of sustainability certification programs for vineyards. Beth spent 12 years overseeing the Vineyard Team's Sustainability in Practice (SIP) certification program and now serves as the executive director of the Vineyard Team.
As it turns out, there are many benefits to having a SIP certification. These benefits range from having a positive environmental impact, access to different storefronts, better marketability, and increased financial benefits. The sustainability program has certified 47,000 vineyard acres, primarily in California but also in Oregon and Michigan as well as five wineries. Over 60 million bottles of wine have been produced in compliance with sustainability standards.
Listen in to learn how SIP started, where it has evolved to today, and how it is impacting vineyards on the West Coast and beyond.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Background of the Vineyard Team and how it has evolved.
- What sustainability in agriculture is.
- What the SIP certification is and why it’s important.
- The importance of accountability and consistency in vineyard management.
- Where the SIP certification has evolved to today.
- The impact of a sustainability program on a winery.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
SIP Certification Resources:
- https://www.sipcertified.org/info-hub/marketing-tips/details/business-niner-wine-estates/
- SIP Certified Database – get certified or take the free self-assessment: https://app.sipcertified.org/
- SIP Certified Newsletter: https://www.sipcertified.org/mailing-list/
- Sustainable Ag Expo: https://www.sustainableagexpo.org/
- Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast: https://www.vineyardteam.org/podcast/?id=1059
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today’s Guest:
Beth Vukmanic is an expert in vineyard sustainability and serves as the Executive Director for the Vineyard Team in California.
Connect with Beth:
- Website: https://www.vineyardteam.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevineyardteam
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevineyardteam/
- Podcast: https://www.vineyardteam.org/podcast/
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to our friends over at SensorInsight for their sponsorship of today’s episode. SensorInsight provides actionable information for your vineyard operations. Their mobile app and dashboard visualizations provide irrigation, weather, and soil moisture analytics from your sensor systems. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
We are back today for part two of our series “Six Essential Factors for Starting and Growing a Successful Vineyard.” Refer back to episode 32 for part one of the series if you haven’t listened to it yet. Just make sure you listen to both episodes to hear all six factors new growers need to understand and consider before planting a vineyard.
In this episode, two of our favorite growers and friends, Rob Warren and Katy Jane Seaton, are joining the show to give their perspectives and advice on the topics of vineyard management and labor, vineyard economics, and grape variety selection and marketing. Even if you're an experienced grower, you'll enjoy hearing from Rob and Katy Jane as they share their experiences.
Let’s get into part two of this series!
In this episode, you will hear:
- How long it took Rob to have positive cash flow and how long it took to make a profit
- What Rob would tell someone who was thinking of starting a vineyard about cost and cash flow
- Common misconceptions of managing a vineyard
- What size vineyard Rob started with and where he is now
- How Rob built his crew and trained them
- What Katy Jane’s plan in grape growing was and how it has evolved
- How Katy Jane’s variety selection strategy changed and how this related to the marketability for selling fruit and wine making
- Katy Jane’s top advice for new growers when choosing what varieties to plant
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Check out Fritz’s new Prospective Winegrape Grower Course (https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/growsmart) at VirtualViticulureAcademy.com. With over 5 hours of guided video content, this course shows you through examples, illustrations, and more what you need to know to make good decisions from the start for growing a successful vineyard. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to get the course for only $200.00 through the end of 2023.
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guest:
Rob Warren is the owner of Desert Willow Vineyard in Seminole, TX.
Connect with Rob:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desertwillowvineyard
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertwillowvineyard/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrjWaulJw7tATQC3trzhPJQ
Katy Jane Seaton is one of the owners of Farmhouse Vineyards based in Brownfield, TX and now with their Farmhouse Vineyards Marketplace in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
Connect with Katy Jane:
- Website: https://www.farmhousevineyard.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FarmhouseVineyards/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmhousevineyards_tx/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC38criman5XKfX5ckSzPCPQ
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to our friends over at SensorInsight for their sponsorship of today’s episode. SensorInsight provides actionable information for your vineyard operations. Their mobile app and dashboard visualizations provide irrigation, weather, and soil moisture analytics from your sensor systems. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Today, we're starting a two-part series on the six essential things you must understand and evaluate to start and grow a successful vineyard. Starting and running a vineyard is expensive – $20,000 to $25,000 per acre – not including fencing, equipment, and irrigation. It’s important you do your research and learn all that you can about the site you picked out before you plant a single vine.
In this episode, two experienced guests, Dan Limoges and David Higginbotham, provide their first-hand perspectives of the challenges they faced. Dan discusses the challenge of finding an ideal site for his vineyard in Georgia and the prep required to begin growing. David shares the lessons he has learned about being prepared for both expected and unexpected vineyard risks.
These are must-listen episodes if you're starting a vineyard or considering starting a vineyard anytime in the future. Tune in today!
In this episode, you will hear:
- Four features that influence a vineyard site.
- How Dan chose to start his vineyard at his current location in Georgia.
- Mitigation tactics Dan had to take and the challenges he overcame to be successful.
- How Dan combatted erosion to keep his precious soil in his new vineyard.
- Dan’s piece of advice about site selection to prospective growers.
- The top, most economically impactful risk factors that have affected David’s vineyard.
- The risks David was most prepared for and what caught him off guard.
- David’s advice to prospective growers on risk preparedness.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Get Fritz’s FREE Grapevine Anatomy & Growth Grower Guide: https://mailchi.mp/virtualviticultureacademy.com/grapevine_anatomy for detailed information and illustrations on the structure and growth of grapevines during dormancy and the growing season.
Check out Fritz’s new Prospective Winegrape Grower Course: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/growsmart. With over 5 hours of guided video content, this course shows you through examples, illustrations, and more what you need to know to make good decisions from the start for growing a successful vineyard. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to get the course for only $200.00 through the end of 2023.
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Today’s Guests:
Daniel Limoges is the owner of Limoges Cellers in Cleveland, GA. Connect with Dan:
- Website: https://limogescellars.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/limogescellars
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limogescellars
David Higginbotham is the owner of Fainting Goat Vineyards in Jasper, GA. Connect with David:
- Website: https://www.faintinggoatvineyardsandwinery.com/us.html
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaintingGoatVineyards
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faintinggoatvineyards/
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to our friends over at SensorInsight for their sponsorship of today’s episode. SensorInsight provides actionable information for your vineyard operations. Their mobile app and dashboard visualizations provide irrigation, weather, and soil moisture analytics from your sensor systems. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
What are rootstock trials, and why are they important for your grape-growing operation? Listen in as I have a discussion with Dr. Gill Giese from the College of Agriculture at Arkansas State University on the latest findings in rootstock trials and what they mean for vineyards today and in the future.
In this episode, Gill and I talk about the results of the rootstock trials conducted in New Mexico and how they can impact wine growing in the region and elsewhere. We discuss the importance of cold hardiness and phylloxera resistance and how rootstocks can be created to address climate change issues and many other factors.
Listen in to learn about the findings of the research and what they mean for your vineyard.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What rootstocks are and where they originated.
- The many environments that rootstocks can grow in due to crossbreeding and adaptation.
- Why we need to continue to trial and develop rootstocks.
- Some of the surprising things Gill learned during his research.
- The future of rootstock development.
- Tips for growers on where to start and how to select their rootstocks.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Resources:
Join Fritz for his FREE live virtual learning event - 2023 Vineyard Successes & Failures - November 1st at 6:00 PM CST. - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/2023-vineyard-successes-failures/
If you missed the live event, you can access the FREE video recording and learn the top 2023 season takeaways at a time that works for your schedule. - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/2023-vineyard-successes-failures/
View the New Mexico rootstock research data from Gill Giese mentioned in the episode.
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Want to Be a Better Grape Grower? Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to our friends over at SensorInsight for their sponsorship of today’s episode. SensorInsight provides actionable information for your vineyard operations. Their mobile app and dashboard visualizations provide irrigation, weather, and soil moisture analytics from your sensor systems. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io/. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. William “Gill” Giese is an assistant professor in the College of Agriculture at Arkansas State University. Prior to this, he taught agriculture/viticulture at Surry Community College in North Carolina, and most recently worked as a Viticulture Extension Specialist for New Mexico State University. His applied research included variety and rootstock trials, irrigation study, nematode modeling, and cover crops to enhance pollinator habitat, support soil health and optimize grape production and quality.
Connect with Gill - Email | Website
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
We are nearing the end of the year already, which means it’s time to discuss our 2023 vineyard season-end review. This is a solo episode where I’m going into a lot of detail on the past year from a viticulturist's perspective. During this review, I discuss trends I’ve seen across North America, including the common things that worked and ones that didn't.
I am also happy to announce that it’s the one-year anniversary of the podcast! I cannot believe how quickly the podcast has grown and the amount of support the show has received. Thank you to all the listeners who subscribe, download, and share the show’s episodes. I look forward to another exciting year of learning about your vineyards and how we can help them succeed.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The implementation of mechanization for vineyard management and grape quality.
- The impact of timely thinning, leaf removal, fruit dropping, and other canopy management techniques.
- The adoption of biological products in vineyards.
- Why contracts with buyers are important.
- How drought and extreme heat have affected vine health and crop yield.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Resources:
Join Fritz for his FREE live virtual learning event - 2023 Vineyard Successes & Failures - November 1st at 6:00 PM CST. - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/2023-vineyard-successes-failures/
If you missed the live event, you can access the FREE video recording and learn the top 2023 season take-aways at a time that works for your schedule. - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/2023-vineyard-successes-failures/
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Want to Be a Better Grape Grower? Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to our friends over at SensorInsight for their sponsorship of today’s episode. SensorInsight provides actionable information for your vineyard operations. Their mobile app and dashboard visualizations provide irrigation, weather, and soil moisture analytics from your sensor systems. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io/. And don't forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, we are literally going underground. We're having a conversation with my pal Bubba Beasley about the science of soil mapping and why soil mapping is important for vineyards, even if your vineyard is already established. Bubba is a geologist and founder of HydroGeo Environmental. He is an expert in every sense of the word when it comes to soil mapping and vineyards.
We discuss NCRS maps and how they help streamline the planting process, how to evaluate soil, the importance of soil sampling for mineral nutrition, and more. Bubba also shares the future of soil mapping and how technology is revolutionizing this field. Listen in to learn all about the science of soil mapping for your vineyard’s success.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Bubba’s journey from being a rock collector to an expert in vineyard soil mapping and his current work at HydroGeo Environmental.
- What Bubba is looking for to help the grower design and plant the vineyard.
- The impact of NRCS maps and how they help streamline the process.
- How well-drained soils can impact grape ripening and how soil mapping can enhance wine quality by identifying different terroir zones.
- The intricacies of soil analysis, including soil horizons, mineral nutrition, and cation exchange balance.
- The role of technology, like AMS soil augers and the potential use of drones in revolutionizing soil mapping.
- The importance of soil sampling in vineyard management.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
- Download Fritz’s new Soil Sampling Grower Guide available for free to podcast listeners: https://mailchi.mp/ce66df364e90/soil_sampling
- Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com, and save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/
- If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, use the Ask Fritz button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com: https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to our friends over at AMS, Inc. for their sponsorship of today’s episode. AMS manufactures soil augers, soil probes, soil core samplers, sludge and sediment samplers, soil gas samplers, and more. Which includes one of Fritz’s all-time favorite vineyard tools – the 3-1/4" Pro Series Regular Auger, 3/4" Thread. Contact them today at https://www.ams-samplers.com/.
Today’s Guest:
Ernest (Bubba) Beasley, MS, CPG, is a geologist and soil scientist and the founder of HydroGeo Environmental.
Connect or work with Bubba:
- Email: team@hydrogeoenvironmental.com
- Website: https://www.hydrogeoenvironmental.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HydroGeoEnvironmentalLLC
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beasleybubba/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
It is post harvest time for many of our northern listeners. You made it through the peak season, and you are now surviving through the fall and preparing your vineyard for leaf drop. In this solo episode, we are diving into the top four post harvest vineyard priorities for healthy, happy grape vines going into winter dormancy. We dig into late season fertilization, nutrient management, soil moisture management, and preparing for the next year.
If you want to set your grape vines up for success and have a productive vineyard next year, then this episode is a must listen for you!
In this episode, you will hear:
- The importance of late-season fertilization and nutrient management for vine health post harvest.
- Monitoring soil moisture before the ground freezes to ensure the vines are healthy.
- Tips on spotting signs of vine stress, vigor, or disease and how to fix any issues.
- Why you have to record data about your vineyard for future planning.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Get your vineyard questions answered live - Live Vineyard Advising Guest Pass!
Download Fritz’s Annual Vineyard Management Snapshot Template.
Learn more with these free Grower Guides referenced in today’s episode or check out all the grape growing content and resources at VirtualViticultureAcademy.com.
- Young Vine Care – Dormancy Preparation: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/young-vine-care-dormancy-preparation-2/
- Instructions for Grape Leaf Blade Sampling: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/instructions-for-grape-leaf-blade-sampling/
- Instructions for Grape Petiole Sampling: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/instructions-for-grape-petiole-sampling-2/
- Target Nutrient Values – Soil | Whole Leaves | Petioles
- Identifying Veraison to Harvest Leaf Symptoms: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/identifying-veraison-to-harvest-leaf-symptoms/
- What Are Your Leaves Telling You – Diagnosing Vine Disorders: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/what-are-your-leaves-telling-you-diagnosing-vine-disorders/
- End of Season Vineyard Checklist: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/end-of-season-vineyard-checklist/
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to our friends over at SensorInsight for their sponsorship of today’s episode. SensorInsight provides detailed environmental and soil monitoring systems. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io/.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
As a wine-grape grower, yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) is an important factor to measure in your grapes and wine. On today’s episode, Professor and Enologist Dr. Anna Katharine Mansfield joins us to share her expertise on the role of yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) and nitrogen in wine quality and fermentation.
Her work and focus on sensory science and flavor chemistry for wine production brings a unique perspective as we discuss all things YAN: what it is, why it’s important, and how to measure it. Most people measure sugar, pH, and titratable acidity, but many skip measuring YAN, although a Cornell study has proven that more people prefer wine that was produced from grapes containing adequate YAN levels in the grapes at harvest.
Listen in to learn all about this often overlooked yet important measurement.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) is and why it’s important in grape growing.
- The role of nitrogen in the fermentation process and its potential to affect the wine's characteristics.
- The effect of amino acids converted during fermentation on the varietal characteristics of the wine.
- The problem with having too much YAN for the fermentation.
- The most common grower missteps related to YAN levels that can occur before harvest and how to avoid them.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Read more about how foliar urea nitrogen sprays can help increase YAN as mentioned in the episode:
- Improving Management Options for YAN in the Vineyard and Winery - Cornell University
https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/blogs.cornell.edu/dist/0/7265/files/2016/11/ImproveYAN-2hf4qzz.pdf - Fertilize or Supplement: The Impact of Nitrogen on Vine Productivity and Wine Sensory Properties in Chardonnay - American American Journal of Enology and Viticulture https://www.ajevonline.org/content/73/3/156
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com, and save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape-growing questions, use the Ask Fritz button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Anna Katharine Mansfield is a leading expert in enology and sensory science. She currently works as an associate professor of enology at the Cornell Craft Beverage Institute (CCBI) in New York state.
Connect with Anna Katherine - Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Listen in as we engage in a riveting conversation with two remarkable experts, Dr. Megan Hall and Dr. Mizho Nita, about sour rot, a challenging disease that can significantly impact winegrapes. Through this discussion, we gain a deeper understanding of sour rot, exploring how to identify it, why and how it occurs, and the various organisms and insects involved. Megan shares her unique insights and invaluable experience in managing sour rot in grapes. We also delve into her ground-breaking research on the disease and offer practical advice on how to prevent it in vineyards.
We also discuss control strategies for sour rot disease, highlighting the importance of timely spraying before symptom development. Megan and Mizho share their collective wisdom on the three primary contributors to sour rot. They then shed light on their research findings regarding the best combination of antimicrobial plus insecticide sprays.
Additionally, Mizho shares his expertise on alternative options to oxidate, such as bio fungicides, which could potentially reduce the impact on fermentation. As always, we ensure to wrap up the conversation by sharing valuable resources for our listeners, equipping grape growers with the knowledge needed to manage this challenging disease.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why and how sour rot occurs.
- The signs and symptoms of sour rot.
- The role that insects & microorganisms play in causing and spreading sour rot.
- What cultural practices play a role in prevention.
- Alternative products for preventing and treating sour rot.
- The importance of proper spray timing and planning to prevent resistance development from over-spraying.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
- If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, use the Ask Fritz button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com.
- Access free Virtual Viticulture Academy Grower Guide videos and how-to-guides. Or take your grape growing knowledge to the next level with an annual Virtual Viticulture Academy membership – use the code Underground to save $75 on your first year of membership.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Megan Hall holds a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology from Cornell University and an M.A. from York University in Sociology and Law.
Megan spent seven years on a groundbreaking research project focused on the causes of sour rot. Prior to this research, growers’ tools for managing sour rot were limited because the causal organisms of the disease were unknown. Following this research, Megan served as an Assistant Research Professor and Viticulture Program Leader at the University of Missouri before joining E. & J. Gallo Winery as a Research Scientist in the Winegrowing Research division.
She now works as an independent research-based scientific consultant specializing in agriculture and fermentation with Terroir Consulting Group.
Connect with Megan:
- Email: megan@terroirconsultinggroup.com
- Terroir Consulting Group: https://www.terroirconsultinggroup.com
Dr. Mizho Nita holds both a Ph.D. and M.S. in Plant Pathology from Ohio State.
He is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist of grape pathology at Virginia Tech’s Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Winchester, VA. He also serves as a Specially Appointed Associate Professor at Shinshu University in Japan.
His academic interest is in the areas of applied plant pathology and plant disease epidemiology. His current research projects include:
- Use of a biological control agent for grapevine crown gall
- Management of grape-ripe rot
- Epidemiological studies of grapevine leafroll-associated virus and its vectors
- Grape disease management tool (GrapeIPM.org)
- Trunk diseases
- Organic and alternative fungicides
Mizho provides loads of helpful information and research data via his blog, including the Sour Rot Trial he mentions during the podcast.
Learn more about GRAPEIPM.ORG - An online system to help you keep track of fungicide inventory, spray scheduling, share the schedule, and keep and print records of actual spray application.
Connect with Mizho:
- Email: nita24@vt.edu
- Website: https://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/alson-h-smith/people/nita-bio.html
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrapePathVATech
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Join us on the Vineyard Underground podcast as we welcome Denise Gardner, a renowned winemaking consultant and wine grape educator. Our exciting conversation begins with an exploration of how pre-harvest and harvest actions in the vineyard can greatly influence the quality of wine. Listen in as Denise shares her unique journey to becoming an acclaimed winemaker, as well as the industry accreditations she's gathered along the way.
Our conversation focuses on the importance of preparation and planning ahead of the harvest season. Denise offers insightful advice on how to improve wine quality, the significance of getting wines bottled before the harvest commences, and the need to check equipment months in advance to avoid breakdowns. Don't miss this enlightening conversation about the art and science of winemaking!
In this episode, you will hear:
- Denise’s secrets for pre-harvest and harvest activities that influence wine quality.
- The importance of bottling wines before the onslaught of the harvest and timely equipment checks.
- The need for meticulous planning and understanding of winemaking as a combination of art and science.
- Detailed discussion on post-harvest considerations to ensure wine quality.
- Winemaking strategies based on juice analysis and the importance of checking yeast available nitrogen (YAN) levels.
- The importance of continued wine monitoring, regular sanitation, and updating compliance documentation post-harvest.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, you can visit VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Or, come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com, and save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Download Denise Gardner’s Winemaking Harvest Must-Haves Product List available exclusively for podcast listeners until September 15th!
Check out these wine making resources from Denise Gardner Winemaking.
- Read or subscribe to the Winemakers’ Blog: https://www.dgwinemaking.com/winemakers/category/blog-posts/
- Get twice monthly winemaking help with a DGW Elite Membership: https://www.dgwinemaking.com/winemakers/learn-winemaking/
- Grow your wine appreciation with the Taste Wine with a Pro virtual tasting group: https://www.dgwinemaking.com/winelovers/taste-wines-with-a-pro/
- Download Denise Gardner’s Winemaking Harvest Must-Haves Product List available exclusively for podcast listeners until September 15th!
Today’s Guest:
Denise Gardner is a winemaking consultant and educator and the founder of Denise Gardner Winemaking. She consults with winemakers all over the country to achieve their desired results for their wines and FDA-compliant winemaking.
Connect with Denise:
- Email: info@dgwinemaking.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dgwinemaking/
- Denise Gardner Winemaking: https://www.dgwinemaking.com/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Tune in as we have an enlightening discussion with Dr. Mark Greenspan, founder of Advanced Viticulture, about the latest innovations in irrigation scheduling and how it influences wine quality. We take a closer look into the intricacies of irrigation scheduling and its influence on wine quality. For over 30 years, Mark has been working with growers as an advisor and consultant, and he shares his unique expertise on viticulture in this episode.
Listen in as we explore how the strategic use of deficit irrigation can induce stress in the vine and ultimately affect the chemical makeup of the grapes. We discuss the differences between red and white grape vines, strategies for managing the canopy size and yield of each, and when to apply water stress to achieve the desired outcome. We also delve into the use of soil moisture sensors and the pressure bomb to determine when and how long to irrigate, along with other established methods of scheduling irrigation.
Mark provides insights into some of the newer techniques to reduce the VPD, and we touch on the topic of micro tensiometers. If you're looking to improve your vineyard's yield and quality, this episode is a must-listen!
In this episode, you will hear:
- The importance of strategic irrigation and advanced technology in optimizing vineyard yield and wine quality.
- A detailed examination of how irrigation input reduction can affect vine stress and the chemical composition of grapes.
- A deep dive into soil moisture sensors and pressure bomb usage in determining irrigation timing and duration.
- An exploration of vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and its influence on fruit yield and quality, along with strategies to reduce it.
- The emergence of micro tensiometers as a new technology for measuring water potential in vineyards.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Learn more about using plant and soil data for optimal irrigation decisions with Fritz’s member-only video course - Use of Soil & Plant Data for Irrigation Decisions - available for podcast listeners to access until September 1st.
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, use the Ask Fritz button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com. Or see the photos of Fritz and Mark in the rocky vineyard in La Mancha, Spain, that they talk about at the beginning of the episode.
If you are in the northern or central coast areas of California and want to learn more about how
Mark and his team can help your vineyard, visit AdvancedVit.com. And, if you want to learn more about the company I use with my clients for soil moisture monitoring, reach out to Stephen at SensorInsight.
If you are looking for more grape-growing resources and content check out VirtualViticultureAcademy.com for free how-to guides and videos. Or, come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com and get access to member-only content and twice monthly live vineyard help and advice from Fritz. Use the code Underground at checkout to save $75 off your first year of membership.
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Mark Greenspan is the founder and president of Advanced Viticulture, Inc, a wine-growing consulting and vineyard management company primarily focused in the north and central coast of California. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, an M.S. in Viticulture and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering and has almost 30 years of viticultural experience.
Connect with Mark:
- Email: mark@advancedvit.com
- Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patty-skinkis-98a0592b
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advanced_viticulture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Advancedvit
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Prepare to have your perceptions challenged as we explore the intriguing relationship between wine yield and quality. Today, we welcome the brilliant Dr. Patty Skinkis, renowned for her work as a viticulture extension specialist at Oregon State University and the host of the Hi-Rez Vineyard Nutrition podcast. She'll be guiding us on a journey that will bust the industry myth that higher quality wine comes from lower yields.
Dr. Skinkis has spent the past decade committed to a unique vineyard experiment, focusing specifically on the effects of cluster thinning on the much-loved Oregon Pinot Noir. It's an exciting exploration into the treatments applied, the customization for the growers, and the challenges and triumphs along the way.
Listen in and you may be surprised to discover that crop thinning to lower yield doesn't significantly impact the fruit or wine quality, brushing off a long-standing industry belief and paving the way for improved profit per acre for vineyards.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Dr. Patty Skinkis bust the yield and quality myth, by sharing the information she gathered during a decade-long vineyard experiment studying the effects of cluster thinning on Oregon
- Pinot Noir, including vintages, lag phase, and grower customization.
- How the Oregon wine industry studied the effects of cluster thinning and the timing of the cluster thinning in vineyards and the impacts on wine quality from lower vs. higher yields.
- The economic impact for growers of busting the Low Yield = High Quality Myth.
- How Dr. Patty Skinkis's research provides growers and winemakers with data to compare yields and determine overcropping.
- How growers and winemakers measure balance in vineyards by tracking pruning and cluster weights, assessing visual balance, and collecting data for target yields.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape-growing questions, use the Ask Fritz button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com.
Access free Virtual Viticulture Academy Grower Guide videos and how-to-guides. Or take your grape-growing knowledge to the next level with an annual Virtual Viticulture Academy membership – use the code Underground to save $75 on your first year of membership.
Today’s Guest:
Patricia (Patty) Skinkis, Ph.D., is a Professor & Viticulture Extension Specialist at Oregon State University and the host of the HiRes Vineyard Nutrition Podcast.
Connect with Patty:
- Website: https://owri.oregonstate.edu/users/patricia-skinkis
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patty-skinkis-98a0592b
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patty.skinkis/
- Podcast: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/podcast/hires-vineyard-nutrition-podcast
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Terry Bates, the director of Cornell's Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory, to explore the importance of crop estimation for successful vineyard management. We discuss the basics of crop estimation, including understanding the expected yield, ripening of the current crop, and how to prepare for the yield. We also talk about the optimal phenology timing for crop estimation and crop adjustment.
Listen in as we explore the power of proximal sensing and how it can help with effective and accurate crop estimation. We examine how proximal sensing differs from other forms of sensing, such as satellite imagery, and how it can benefit growers of all sizes. Dr. Bates takes us through the different ways of doing crop estimation, from traditional methods to the latest technologies. We also discuss how vine health and crop estimation can be measured with proximal sensing and how this technology can be customized to suit both large and small growers.
Don't miss out on this insightful discussion about modern tools for crop estimation.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why accurate crop estimation is essential for successful vineyard management
- What the optimal phenology timing is for crop estimation and crop adjustment
- How proximal sensing is being used to advance crop estimation, measure vine health, and more
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
If you found the information from this episode helpful, we’ve made our Crop Estimation Guide – Member-Only content available for podcast listeners until Sept 1st, 2023: https://mailchi.mp/3153961421f9/crop-estimation-guide
Episode Resources:
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com, and save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, use the Ask Fritz button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com.
Crop Estimation Resources – Fritz Westover
- Late Season Cluster Thinning to Improve Crop Uniformity Video: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/late-season-cluster-thinning-to-improve-crop-uniformity/
- Mid-Season Vineyard Strategies Video: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/mid-season-vineyard-strategies/
- View the full Grower Guide Library: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/
Resources – Dr. Terry Bates
- Efficient Vineyard Project - MyEVTool: https://www.efficientvineyard.com/
- Using Bloom NDVI to Improve Concord Crop Estimation Video: https://www.efficientvineyard.com/blog/using-bloom-ndvi-to-improve-concord-crop-estimation
- Summary of the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory and the Efficient Vineyard Project Theme Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arzlh7T9zlk
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Terry Bates is the Director of Cornell Lake Erie Research & Extension. His areas of interest include viticulture, digital agriculture, and concord (juice grape) production.
Connect with Terry – EfficientVineyard.com
Episode Credits:
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Can you spot the spotted lanternfly? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Michela Centinari, Associate Professor of Viticulture at Penn State, for the latest research on this invasive insect pest and its impact on North American vineyards.
Together, we explore all things spotted lanternfly for winegrape growers including identification, risk factors, preventative strategies, and treatment options. We cover how to identify spotted lanternfly in all stages of its life cycle along with what to do and how to report if you discover them in your vineyard.
Michela walks us through not only geographical risk factors, but also risk factors like Tree of Heaven and the differences in susceptibility among vinifera, French-American hybrids, and wild grapes. And we cover effective treatment methods for eggs, nymphs, and adult lanternflies, as well as the challenges of treating adults close to harvest.
By the end of our conversation, you'll be armed with valuable resources and knowledge to help ensure the health and success of your vineyard against this invasive species.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The background on the spread of spotted lanternfly in North America
- Vineyard risk factors for spotted lanternfly
- How to identify and report spotted lanternfly in your vineyard
- Options for prevention and treatment in the vineyard
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Resources:
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape-growing questions, visit VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Or, come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com, and save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Learn more about the spotted lanternfly with these resources from Penn State Extension:
- Spotted Lanternfly Overview: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly
- Video: What is Spotted Lanternfly: https://youtu.be/uin0GECoi4A
- Identify Spotted Lanternfly: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-what-to-look-for
- Report Spotted Lanternfly: https://extension.psu.edu/have-you-seen-a-spotted-lanternfly
- Spotted Lanternfly FAQ: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-frequently-asked-questions
- Spotted Lanternfly Management in Vineyards: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-management-in-vineyards
- Additional Spotted Lanternfly Resources: https://extension.psu.edu/spotted-lanternfly-management-resources
Today’s Guest:
Michela Centinari, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Viticulture at Penn State. Her specialties include wine grape production, grapevine physiology, sustainable viticulture, & cold temperature stress.
Connect with Michela or view her research.
Episode Credits:
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Should you be practicing leaf removal in your vineyard? What’s the correct timing? How much leaf removal is too much? In this episode, we dive into the why, when, and how of all things leaf removal so you can feel confident in your thinning decisions.
Our guests are Extension Viticulturist Dr. Cain Hickey from Penn State University and seasoned grape grower Galen Troxell from Galen Glen Vineyards in Pennsylvania. We talk about the research that’s been done on fruit zone leaf removal and their experience with it. We also discuss their individual practices and how they apply to different climates.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What is leaf removal
- The reasons to practice leaf removal in your vineyard
- When should you thin your leaves in your climate
- The research on the effects of fruit quality as a result of leaf removal
- The effects of methoxypyrazines
- When and why Galen started implementing mechanical leaf removal in his vineyard
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, you can visit VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
- Learn more about leaf removal with these free Grower Guide videos from Fritz and check out all the grape growing content and resources at VirtualViticultureAcademy.com.
- Late Season Leaf Removal: Reasons and Precautions: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/late-season-leaf-removal-reasons-and-precautions/
- Leaf Removal is a Snap: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/leaf-removal-is-a-snap/
- Leaf Thinning After Fruit Set: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/leaf-thinning-after-fruit-set/
- Mid-Season Vineyard Strategies: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/mid-season-vineyard-strategies/
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today’s Guests:
Cain Hickey is a Viticulture Extension Educator at Penn State. His areas of expertise include applied viticulture, grapevine physiology, pruning and training, and canopy management.
Connect with Cain:
https://extension.psu.edu/cain-hickey https://extension.psu.edu/education-format?authors=
Galen Troxell and his wife Sarah are the owners and founders of the award-winning and highly recognized Galen Glenn Winery in Pennsylvania. They started their highly successful vineyard and winery in 1995 and in 2003 became the first vineyard east of the Rocky Mountains to commercially plant Gruner Veltliner. They have been successfully using mechanical leaf removal since 2012.
Connect with Galen:
https://www.galenglen.com https://www.instagram.com/galenglenwine/ https://www.facebook.com/GalenGlenWine
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
When we shoot thin, we force the vines to focus all their best energy where we want the production and where we want the vine to grow in the years to come. This is how international pruning expert Marco Tessari so perfectly explains the purpose of shoot thinning.
Marco along with Ken Swegles of Rhizos Viticulture Consulting join me for this information-packed episode exploring what you need to know about shoot thinning for your current season and for the long-term growth and longevity of your conventional or organic vineyard.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How shoot thinning directly ties into the work done while dormant pruning
- How proper shoot thinning is important for vineyard growth and longevity
- What vineyards need to shoot thin - cane vs spur vineyards
- Optimal shoot thinning timing
- Shoot thinning considerations for organic growers
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape-growing questions, you can visit VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Learn more about Shoot Thinning with these free Grower Guide videos from Fritz, and check out all the grape-growing content and resources at VirtualViticultureAcademy.com.
- Shoot Trimming or Hedging Concepts for Vigorous Vines
- Shoot Thinning High Cordon Vines
- Thinning Young Vines to Produce Strong Spur Positions
If you are interested in joining VirtualViticultureAcademy.com to have access to member content and twice monthly live advising with Fritz, you can use the code Underground at checkout for $75 off your first year of membership as a thank you for being a podcast listener.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Today’s Guests:
Marco Tessari is an international pruning expert based out of Montebelluna, Italy. Marco works with vineyards all over the world in person and virtually and is revolutionizing the art and science of vineyard pruning.
Connect with Marco via email or follow him on Instagram
Ken Swegles is the founder of Rhizos Viticulture in California and rehabilitates and manages vineyards through the exclusive practices of regenerative agriculture.
Connect with Ken at Madson Wines or Rhizos Viticulture or follow him on Instagram.
We get many questions from growers like you all over the country and the world, so we are taking this episode to answer a handful of these questions on topics ranging from young vine training to fungicide rotation.
Listen in, as you may have had some of these same questions in your vineyard, and stay tuned for more grower Q&A episodes in the future!
In this episode, you will hear:
- In year two, should I let the fruit develop or drop?
- When should I start spraying vines in the season if there's rain in the forecast, and how does that affect the spread?
- What do you do if your vines are at different stages of bud development in the spring and rain is forecasted?
- Can I cut extra spurs back to the basil bud or thin the new green shoots?
- When and how is the best way to apply boron?
- Is using a fungicide with the same FRAC (Fungicide Resistance Action Committee) code on back-to-back sprays okay?
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
- Want Fritz to answer your grape growing questions? Request a FREE Guest Pass to get live advice from Fritz during the next Virtual Viticulture Academy Live Vineyard Advising session (scheduled every other Monday).
- Or, you can always reach out to Fritz via the “Ask Fritz” button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com if you have questions about this episode or any other grape growing questions.
- Learn to Be a Better Grape Grower with VirtualViticultureAcademy.com – save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, Paicines Ranch Vineyard Director and global agriculture consultant, Kelly Mulville, shares his passion and expertise on integrating regenerative agriculture principles including sheep into vineyard systems to increase ecosystem health, biodiversity, and profitability. Listen in to learn more about regenerative agriculture and how you can implement regenerative agriculture principles into your vineyard with or without sheep.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What is regenerative agriculture and the core principles behind it
- Why regenerative agriculture is important for vineyards
- The benefits and challenges of grazing sheep in the vineyard
- Modifying vineyard design and the Watson training system for grazing sheep
- Considerations to weigh before adding sheep to your vineyard
- Ways to add regenerative agriculture principles into your vineyard without adding livestock
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources
Click the “Ask Fritz” button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com if you have questions about this episode or any other grape-growing questions.
Learn more about topics discussed in today’s episode:
- Watch Fritz’s video - Watson Training System – Setup through Production
- Watch Kelly’s video - Effectively Managing Sheep in Vineyards
- Learn more about Paicines Ranch.
- Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Today’s Guest:
Kelly Mulville is a global agricultural consultant and the Vineyard Director at Paicines Ranch in San Benito County, California. He focuses on the design and management of vineyard systems to restore and increase ecosystem health, biodiversity, and profitability, which often entails integrating livestock seasonally or throughout the year.
Connect with Kelly at Paicinesranch.com. Follow Paicines Ranch – Instagram | Facebook | YouTube.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Nitrogen is one of the most popular nutrients for wine growers when it comes to general fertilization. However, many of us don’t understand exactly why it’s utilized. We don’t understand the deeper reasons behind why nitrogen is so powerful.
If you relate to that, no need to worry. I brought my good friend Paul Crout onto the show today to help us understand all things nitrogen.
Paul is one of the foremost experts on vineyard nutrition and spray, a leading pest control advisor, and a Certified Crop Advisor. He is currently practicing these skills as an agronomist with Helena Agri-Enterprises in California. He creates fertility plans and holds training programs for growers across the country.
Paul is joining us today to talk about nitrogen sources and application strategies for your vineyard. He also dives into nitrogen testing. Paul is one of the only other people who can nerd out about vineyard nutrition as much as me so I hope you enjoy our incredible conversation!
In this episode, you will hear:
- What the plant nutrition training programs Paul holds are like.
- What nitrogen is.
- Common sources of nitrogen for vineyards, including organic sources.
- Nitrogen application faux pas.
- How to time your nitrogen application and the best methods for doing so.
- When foliar nitrogen is useful.
- How to adjust nitrogen application based on the maturity of the vine and the weather.
- When a vineyard has no need to apply nitrogen.
- Various methods of nitrogen testing and what to look for in those tests.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about.
Today’s Guest:
Paul Crout is a leading Pest Control Advisor and Certified Crop Advisor and one of the foremost experts on wine grape nutrition and spray adjuvants. He currently works as an Agronomist with Helena Agri-Enterprises in California. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn and learn more about being Grape Wise
Resources
Click the “Ask Fritz” button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com if you have questions about this episode or any other grape growing questions.
Check out these free Nutrition & Fertilization Grower Guides from VirtualViticultureAcademy.com
- Download the PDF Guide - Know Where Your Nutrients Come From
- Watch the 6 minute video - How to Properly Sample Leaf Tissue for Analysis
- Get the reference chart - Target Nutrient Values – Whole Leaves
- Get the reference chart - Target Nutrient Values – Petioles
- Get the reference chart - Target Nutrient Values in Soil
- View the full Grower Guide Library
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
In this episode, we are diving into the essential vineyard tasks that you need to complete before bud burst in your vineyard to ensure you're prepared and ready for the growing season. A successful season depends on you and your crew’s preparation. You must have a top-to-bottom plan for your vineyard so it can thrive during the upcoming season.
From knowing when you plan to spray your crops and with what products to how you will manage the floor of your vineyard, a few tasks must be done before bud burst. This episode contains the four essential vineyard tasks and a few bonus tips so you can enter the season confident that your vineyard is healthy and prepared.
Enjoy, and please reach out if you have follow-up vineyard preparation questions after you listen.
In this episode, you will hear:
- How to correct pruning mistakes to ensure your shoots grow correctly.
- Tips on leaving clear buds on the spur positions.
- How to prepare yourself with spray products for the season.
- Fertilization tips if you have annual herbicide drift issues.
- If mowing or tilling your cover crop is best for your vineyard.
- And more!
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources
Click the “Ask Fritz” button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com to get your vineyard question answered.
Book Fritz for your grower organization events.
Learn to Be a Better Grape Grower with VirtualViticultureAcademy.com - save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Episode Resource Links:
View the Pre-Bud Burst Vineyard Preparation Checklist
View the full Grower Guide Library
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
In today’s episode, we get to listen in as Fritz presents the keynote presentation at the 2023 Ohio Grape & Wine Conference focusing on the holistic approach to vine health, production, and vineyard longevity along with best practice innovations for holistic vineyard management. Embracing a holistic approach entails looking at the complete system from the time you plant your vineyard through the life of your vineyard with focuses on:
- Vine Establishment
- Soil Quality & Vine Nutrition
- Vine Management Practices
- Disease Suppression & Exclusion
- Vine Longevity & Sustained Yields
In this episode, you will hear:
- What a holistic vineyard management approach looks like
- Grower innovations to address vineyard challenges
- Soil conservation practices
- A closed system approach to vine training
- Vine training best practices
- Why shoot thinning during the green vegetative cycle is important
- Use of the Watson System across the country to solve diverse vineyard challenges
Subscribe and Review
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We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Click the “Ask Fritz” button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com to get your vineyard question answered.
Book Fritz for your grower organization events.
Learn to Be a Better Grape Grower with VirtualViticultureAcademy.com - save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Episode Resource Links:
View the Holistic Approach to Vine Health, Production & Longevity PDF.
View the full Grower Guide Library.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
On today’s episode of Vineyard Underground, I'm answering questions from winegrape growers across the country (and the world) on 7 very different topics. Listen in as my answers to these questions just might help you with questions you have had for your vineyard as well.
If you have questions you need to be answered for your vineyard, remember you can click the Ask Fritz button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com
In this episode, you will hear:
- How to identify and treat Phomopsis
- When and how to decide if struggling young vines should be replaced
- How to prevent damage from grape root borer
- How to move from a VSP (vertical shoot position) training system to a high-wire system
- Approaches for handling weed management
- Criteria for determining the best cane to use for trunks
- When and how to plant potted vines
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Click the “Ask Fritz” button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com to get your vineyard question answered.
Learn to Be a Better Grape Grower with VirtualViticultureAcademy.com - save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
Episode Resource Links:
View the full Grower Guide Library
Episode 12 - Diseases of Pruning Wounds with Kendra Baumgartner
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Pruning wounds can leave your vines and trunks susceptible to certain disease-causing pathogens. While this is an inevitable part of growing a vineyard, there are certain pruning practices that can mitigate the risks. It’s also useful to familiarize yourself with the different infection processes between diseases so you have better agency to approach these vineyard problems accordingly.
Joining today’s conversation is Dr. Kendra Baumgartner, a USDA ARS research plant pathologist, who runs the research program in sustainable viticulture at UC Davis. Kendra focuses on the development of effective and efficient control strategies for fungal diseases of grapes. One of her areas of focus includes pruning wounds that affect trunks and cordons. Listen in as Kendra shares her in-depth knowledge about this topic.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Types of pruning wounds that are at risk of infection
- Understanding the healing process of pruning wounds
- Top diseases on vines and trunk - symptoms and prevention
- Practices and products for dealing with infections
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Click the “Ask Fritz” button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com to get your vineyard question answered.
Learn to Be a Better Grape Grower with VirtualViticultureAcademy.com.
Upcoming FREE Virtual Learning Events:
Using Soil Moisture Monitoring for Irrigation Management - February 9, 2023 | 6:00-7:30 PM CST
Episode Resource Links:
NEW - Pruning Video Course - Top Pruning Mistakes
How-To-Guide - Preventing Grapevine Trunk Disease
Video - Pruning Shear Sharpening
View the full Grower Guide Library
Today’s Guest:
Kendra Baumgartner
USDA-ARS Research Plant Pathologist
UC Davis Campus in California
kbaumgartner@ucdavis.edu
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
This week we are joined by 3 highly successful experts who train and run crews for a living as they share their first-hand experience and advice on training your pruning crew in this informative, in-depth episode.
Our guests today are Ivan Gonzales of Vineyard Professional Services in Paso Robles, California, Jake Busching of Jake Busching Wines in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Rob Warren of Desert Willow Vineyard in Seminole, TX
In this episode, you will hear:
- How experts train their crews
- Strategies for working with crews of different background and experience levels
- Common challenges for training a pruning crew
- The most common pruning mistakes crews make (and how to avoid them)
- Top tips to help you train your pruning crew
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources
Click the “Ask Fritz” button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com to get your vineyard question answered.
Learn to Be a Better Grape Grower with VirtualViticultureAcademy.com.
Upcoming FREE Virtual Learning Events:
Using Soil Moisture Monitoring for Irrigation Management - February 9, 2023 | 6:00-7:30 PM CST
Episode Resource Links:
Listen to Episode 6 Why Pruning is the Most Important Vineyard Activity with Marco Tessari Watch the Pruning Shear Sharpening Grower Guide View the full Grower Guide Library
Today’s Guests:
Ivan Gonzales Vineyard Manager Vineyard Professional Services | Instagram Paso Robles, California
Jake Busching Founder of Jake Busching Wines | Virginia Winery and Vineyard Consultant Jake Busching Wines | Facebook | Instagram Charlottesville, Virginia
Rob Warren Owner – Warren Farms & Desert Willow Vineyard Facebook | Instagram Seminole, Texas
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
You may know how to prune, but does your pruning crew know how YOU prune? Whether you’re getting your friends or neighbors to help you out or you’re hiring a large contracted crew, how they prune your vineyard can impact not only the success of this season but also the long-term health of your vineyard.
In today's episode, we are going to talk about some things you need to consider for hiring a pruning crew, training options for your crew, and my top tips for training your pruning crew.
Pruning is arguably the most critical management task for setting your vineyard up for a successful season so you must plan early. Your goals can change from season to season. Therefore, you need to ensure your vineyard is properly pruned for the age of your vines, the location of your vineyard, and your vineyard goals for the season.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Planning the size and timing of your crew
- The challenge with blending in-house talent with outside labor
- Why you should invest in trained labor
- Training the crew - yourself, training videos, or a vineyard consultant
- Why you need to teach from multiple examples
- The importance of assigning each worker to their own vine rows
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Click the “Ask Fritz” button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com to get your vineyard question answered.
Learn to Be a Better Grape Grower with VirtualViticultureAcademy.com.
Upcoming FREE Virtual Learning Events:
Top 10 Dormant Pruning Mistakes in Your Vineyard - January 19, 2023 | 6:00-7:30 PM CST - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/pruning2023/
Using Soil Moisture Monitoring for Irrigation Management - February 9, 2023 | 6:00-7:30 PM CST - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/sms/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
We can’t help you make (or keep) your fitness resolutions, but today we will give you the information you need to make your vineyard healthier, happier, and more productive in the new year.
On today's episode, we're going to talk about vineyard resolutions, specifically, the top five actions to Be a Better Grape Grower in 2023. These are actions that can be applied by growers of all experience levels. So stick around and make some New Year's resolutions for your vineyard.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Why you must measure and monitor the pH of your water
- The importance of irrigation distribution uniformity
- Why monitoring your irrigation cycles is critical for vine health
- How nutrient sampling is essential for your vine health and your wallet
- How pruning impacts the longevity of your vineyard
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Click the “Ask Fritz” button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com to get your vineyard question answered, and check out the episode blog post for a printable version of the vineyard resolutions from this episode.
Learn to Be a Better Grape Grower with VirtualViticultureAcademy.com.
Upcoming FREE Virtual Learning Events:
Top 10 Dormant Pruning Mistakes in Your Vineyard - January 19, 2023 | 6:00-7:30 PM CST
Using Soil Moisture Monitoring for Irrigation Management - February 9, 2023 | 6:00-7:30 PM CST
Episode Resource Links:
Resolution 2 - Irrigation Distribution Uniformity
Irrigation Distribution Uniformity Testing (University of California)
Resolution 4 – Nutrient Sample at Bloom and Veraison
Target Nutrient Values – Petioles
Target Nutrient Values – Whole Leaves
How to Properly Sample Leaf Tissue for Analysis
Know Where Your Nutrients Come From
Instructions for Grape Leaf Blade Sampling
Instructions for Grape Petiole Sampling
Resolution 5 – Prune for Vineyard Longevity
Episode 6 - Why Pruning is the Most Important Vineyard Activity - With Marco Tessari
Preventing Grapevine Trunk Disease
Pruning Shear Sharpening
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
This week we are joined by a few growers who have recently started their own vineyards as they share their personal experiences and advice for you if you are considering planting a vineyard. Even if you've already planted your vineyard, you're still going to get some great advice from this fun episode.
Vineyard owners come from many walks of life, so today with chat with a working professional that developed his vineyard with his family along side of his current career, a family that left the corporate world at a young age to start their vineyard, and a lovely couple who started their vineyard to keep them busy as they enter into retirement.
Our guests today are Craig Little from the award-winning Stone Ashe Vineyards and Winery in Hendersonville, NC, Daniel and Kristina Limoges from the breathtaking Limoges Cellars in Cleveland, GA, and John and Rebecca Greenan from Las Huertas de Tejas Vineyard in Clairette, TX. In this episode, you will hear:
- About our guests and what made them want to start a vineyard
- Their most and least favorite parts about growing a vineyard
- Common mistakes to avoid and what they wish they could have had done differently
- Their advice for anyone considering establishing a vineyard site
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Craig Little
- Stone Ashe Vineyards: https://www.stoneashevineyards.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stoneashe_vineyard/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoneAsheVineyard/
Daniel & Kristina Limoges
- Limoges Cellars: https://limogescellars.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limogescellars
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/limogescellars/
John & Rebecca Greenan
- Las Huertas de Tejas Vineyard: https://lashuertasdetejas.com/ (website coming soon)
Click the “Ask Fritz” button at vineyardundergroundpodcast.com to get your vineyard question answered.
Learn to Be a Better Grape Grower with VirtualViticultureAcademy.com.
If you are considering whether vineyard ownership is right for you, check out the Prospective Wine Grower Course on VirtualViticultureAcademy.com and review the FREE Vineyard Establishment Checklist.
If you have land and are planting in the next 2-4 years, you can check out the Vineyard Establishment Package. This is a very affordable way to ensure that you get your vineyard planned and planted correctly with help on all aspects from me and the team.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Are you dreaming of starting a vineyard? If so, then this special 2-part episode is for you!
Starting a vineyard can very quickly turn from a dream into a nightmare if you aren't properly educated and prepared for what it takes to start, own, and grow a successful vineyard.
On today’s episode, Fritz shares some key factors you need to consider before you start a vineyard. In Part II, you will hear from growers like you who have recently planted and established their first vineyards as they talk about their experiences being new vineyard owners.
In this episode, you will hear:
- What makes for a good or bad vineyard location
- The importance of topography and soil
- Why you absolutely must have a proper and adequate water source
- The reasons why land use history for your site and the surrounding areas are important
- What it takes from you as a vineyard owner to be successful
- Common mistakes growers make in starting a vineyard, and how to avoid them
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Click the “Ask Fritz” button at vineyardundergroundpodcast.com to get your vineyard question answered.
Learn to Be a Better Grape Grower with VirtualViticultureAcademy.com.
If you are considering whether vineyard ownership is right for you, check out the Prospective Wine Grower Course on VirtualViticultureAcademy.com and review the FREE Vineyard Establishment Checklist.
If you have land and are planting in the next 2-4 years, you can check out the Vineyard Establishment Package. This is a very affordable way to ensure that you get your vineyard planned and planted correctly with help on all aspects from me and the team.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.
Pruning has consequences, but only through awareness, can you improve your technique. We need to prune every year, but we have to do it properly and in a way that’s respectful to the vine. After all, how your vines grow largely depends on how you treat them.
In today’s episode, international pruning expert Marco Tessari imparts his wisdom and knowledge about pruning as well as some tips and strategies to either start applying now or at least be thinking about as you’re trying to develop your permanent vine structure.
Sharing his expertise, whether traveling around the world or through online consultation, Marco is literally revolutionizing how growers are pruning their own vineyards. Marco also teaches an annual premium course for our Virtual Viticulture Academy community of growers that has been a huge success and has really helped a lot of growers learn how to prune properly and improve their vine productivity and longevity.
Through his consulting, he's able to teach people how to prune and follow them through the process day by day, not just giving instructions but spending long hours in the vineyard. When he’s not in the vineyard, Marco spends his time bobsled training. The fastest he has gone is 90 miles per hour!
In this episode, you will hear:
- Important aspects of pruning
- The common reasons that pruning goes wrong
- Signs and examples of poor pruning practices
- Tips for training your crew
- How to renew a trunk while keeping the vine in production
- How to get past the fear of the spur creep
- Understanding the actual trunk structure of the vine
- Tips for new pruners
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Do you have pruning questions for Marco or Fritz or other vineyard questions? Click the Ask Fritz button at VineyardUndergoundPodcast.com.
Get more information on Marco’s 2023 Virtual Viticulture Academy pruning courses by contacting us at support@virtualviticultureacademy.com or visiting 2023 Pruning Courses.
FREE Pruning Guides
- Preventing Grapevine Trunk Disease
- Pruning Shear Sharpening
Learn from 100+ winegrape growing videos and how-to-guides on the Grower Guide Library on Virtual Viticulture Academy.
Today’s Guest:
Marco Tessari is an international pruning expert based out of Montebelluna, Italy. Marco works with vineyards all over the world in person and virtually and is revolutionizing the art and science of vineyard pruning. Follow Marco or contact Marco.
Other Mentions:
Hear Fritz on episode 155 of the Sustainable Winegrowing podcast from the Vineyard Team.
Check out Montecalvi Winery in the Chianti Classico area of central Tuscany that Fritz and Marco mention in the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
If you’re an experienced grape grower, you likely already have a good grasp of your pest and disease management program, your general fertilization strategy, and your vineyard management and labor.
As your vines grow and age, there’s another set of challenges that you may have to face as an experienced grower. On today’s episode of Vineyard Underground, we turn our focus on the three common challenges experienced growers may encounter.
As your vineyards age, hopefully, they grow like fine wine. If you're a seasoned grower, this episode is made for you. And if you're a beginner grower, you can get ahead of the game by listening to this episode and learning what to expect as your vineyard matures. But make sure you’ve also listened to the previous episode on the top three common challenges for new growers and how to navigate those.
Finally, if you're a grower with a troubled vineyard, maybe your vineyard is ailing or declining, Fritz is also sharing some special insights just for you.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Dealing with premature vine decline
- Things to think about when marketing your brand
- Scaling your vineyard for future growth
- What to do when your vineyard has already declined
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Click the “Ask Fritz” button at vineyardundergroundpodcast.com to get your vineyard question answered.
Access grower guide resources at Virtual Viticulture Academy - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Starting a vineyard is exciting, but it also presents some unique challenges that new growers are often unprepared for. You have to be wary of things like pests and diseases or make sure you’re not overfertilizing your soil. Not to mention, finding an experienced crew that can handle complex and skilled activities in the vineyard. All that can be overwhelming – unless you have a great plan in place.
In today’s episode, Fritz talks about the top three most common challenges for new grape growers and how to avoid them. If you're an experienced grower, this episode is also a good measure for you to see how far you've come in your vineyard journey.
Hopefully, being aware of these challenges and knowing how to prevent them or deal with them will get you prepared for the actual challenges that will come your way as a new grower.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Designing and implementing a pest and disease management program
- Knowing whether to fertilize and when to apply a fertilizer
- Identifying the timing and delivery of your fertilizers
- Determining what fertilizer to use
- Understanding the soil mobility of certain nutrients
- Finding and managing vineyard labor
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Free Resources:
Download the Preparing for New Plantings guide to learn about soil sampling for new plantings - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/preparing_for_new_plantings/
Download the Target Nutrient Values in Soil reference chart- https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/target-nutrient-values-in-soil/
Download the Vineyard Establishment Checklist for a comprehensive list of tasks to complete for starting a vineyard- https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/vineyard-establishment-checklist/
View all Grower Guide resources on Virtual Viticulture Academy https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/
Get Help/Learn More:
Click the “Ask Fritz” button at vineyardundergroundpodcast.com to get your vineyard question answered.
Get the Prospective Wine Grower Course https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/prospective-winegrower-course/ to learn everything you need to start and grow your vineyard successfully.
Get help from Fritz to get your vineyard planned and planted with the virtual Vineyard Establishment Package - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/vineyard-establishment-package/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Whether you’re new to grape growing or you just need a bit of confidence to assure you’re doing things alright, there may be some questions that you might be asking yourself that need some clarification.
In today’s episode, Fritz reveals the top three questions about growing grapes that he hears all the time. He also shares practical tips to give you the solution and confidence that you need in your vineyard.
Fritz has been helping grape growers achieve success in their vineyards for over 20 years through various positions he had held within the industry. Having worked with universities as a private consultant and educator, Fritz has definitely heard a lot of questions related to grape growing. Hopefully, you’ll find some things you can apply to your vineyard as well.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The best method to train your newly planted vines
- What causes the spots on the leaves and what to do with them
- Spraying vines before or after a rain event
- Examples of curative products applied after the rain
- Understanding the modes of action in products
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Click the “Ask Fritz” button at vineyardundergroundpodcast.com to get your vineyard question answered.
Access grower guide resources at Virtual Viticulture Academy - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Why underground? You may ask.
Well, have you tried sorting out a vineyard problem? You probably searched for answers in a textbook or some online resource. But what you see online or in textbooks doesn't always apply to your exact situation because there is a lot of variability from one vineyard to the next. You've got to figure out how to get to that perfect picture of what a vine should look like – but the routes can be numerous.
Sometimes, we have questions that need a little bit more digging and more effort to get to the right answers. That is what the Vineyard Underground podcast is here for – to help you dig deeper into resources you wouldn’t have otherwise gotten from what you see on the surface.
Let this podcast help you dig deeper into the problems you find in your vines and help you find the solutions. The Vineyard Underground is your very own underground that allows you to access experts and information about all aspects of grape growing.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The #1 objective of the Vineyard Underground podcast
- About the Virtual Viticulture Academy and the resources you’ll find there
- Making grape growing education fun, portable, and useful
- Some experts coming on the show – soon!
- What you’ll get from this podcast week after week
Subscribe and Review
Have you subscribed to our podcast? We’d love for you to subscribe if you haven’t yet.
We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources:
Click the “Ask Fritz” button at vineyardundergroundpodcast.com to get your vineyard question answered.
Access grower guide resources at Virtual Viticulture Academy - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
Welcome to the Vineyard Underground Podcast where we unearth what you need to know to be a better grape grower!
Hosted by Fritz Westover, this podcast is designed to help grape growers achieve success in their vineyard journey. In each episode, we'll share best practices in the industry, offer practical tips, and answer questions. We will help growers, like you, make some quick wins through practical information you can directly use in your vineyard. We’re bringing in some experts, not just in the field of viticulture (the science of grape growing), but also in soil science, geology, or anything that can impact the way grape vines grow.
Having worked and met with a lot of people from various regions all over the country, Fritz brings in a ton of perspective and first-hand knowledge about the art and science of grape growing. Fritz has made mistakes and has seen a lot of mistakes made over the years. And so, the goal is to help you not make those same mistakes.
In this episode, Fritz shares his journey and his passion for not just grape growing itself, but also for helping other grape growers excel. He talks about his background, the community he has built through The Virtual Viticulture Academy, and now, the Vineyard Underground Podcast in the hope to reach out to as many people around the world who want to advance in this industry.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Where Fritz’s passion for grape growing came from
- Fritz’s educational background in horticulture and plant pathology
- His first real dive into his career as a viticulturist at Virginia Tech
- Working with grape growers in Texas
- The origins of Westover Vineyard Advising
- Founding the Virtual Viticulture Academy
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Supporting Resources:
Virtual Viticulture Academy: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestoverVineyardAdvising
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Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.
What if you could hang out with experienced grape growers, ask them about the science of grape growing, vineyard operations, and more; then take an insight or two to improve your vineyard and ultimately the quality of the wines you produce? That’s what we do each week on the Vineyard Underground. Hosted by Fritz Westover –– viticulture expert more than 20 years of experience in the vineyard industry –– every episode is an in-depth look at grape growing methods, care, and even complicated matters of fertilization and pest and disease management? The goal is to provide you an understanding of the the complicated aspects of viticulture science so that experienced and even the first-time grape grower will be able to understand and implement new practices in their vineyard.