Vineyard Underground

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.

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.

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 actional 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. Mizuho 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 Mizuho 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, Mizuho 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. Mizuho 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 Mizuho 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 Mizuho: 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 Steven 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.