074: Variation in Young Vine Training in Diverse Climates
Release Date: 06/24/2025
074: Variation in Young Vine Training in Diverse Climates
Vineyard Underground
In this solo episode, we take a deep dive into the many variables that influence young vine training in different climates. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how climate, trellis selection, rootstock vigor, and regional weather risks shape vine training strategies. Fritz explains how cold-climate growers often rely on double trunks or “spare parts viticulture” to prepare for winter damage, while warmer-climate vineyards may benefit from fast-tracking techniques like green topping and one-shoot training for quicker vineyard establishment. We walk through scenarios where...
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073: Soil Nutrient Interactions and the Role of Potassium in Eastern Vineyards with Dr. Jaclyn Fiola
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...
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072: How Research Influences Our Spray Program Decisions with Dr. Katie Gold
Vineyard Underground
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,...
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071: Demystifying Spray Adjuvants with Paul Crout
Vineyard Underground
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...
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070: Alternative Canopy Management Practices
Vineyard Underground
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 ...
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069: When Are Insects Actually a Problem with Dr. Rufus Isaacs
Vineyard Underground
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...
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068: The Evolution of Vineyard Floor Management with Alice Wise
Vineyard Underground
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...
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067: Growing for Sparkling Wines in Alternative Regions with Mark Wenzel & Kaibab Sauvage
Vineyard Underground
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...
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066: Q&A – Fritz Answers Early Season Grower Questions
Vineyard Underground
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...
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065: Mechanizing Your Vineyard from the Start with Dr. Matthew Fidelibus & Alan Thibault
Vineyard Underground
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...
info_outlineIn this solo episode, we take a deep dive into the many variables that influence young vine training in different climates. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how climate, trellis selection, rootstock vigor, and regional weather risks shape vine training strategies. Fritz explains how cold-climate growers often rely on double trunks or “spare parts viticulture” to prepare for winter damage, while warmer-climate vineyards may benefit from fast-tracking techniques like green topping and one-shoot training for quicker vineyard establishment.
We walk through scenarios where single-trunk systems are ideal, when to consider double trunks, and how the practice of renewing trunks every few years can extend vine longevity. We also break down when to use green topping, how to avoid bull canes, and why mature leaves on developing trunks should never be removed.
Growers will leave this episode with specific, actionable tips to match their training approach to their unique vineyard conditions, helping them improve both short-term success and long-term vineyard health.
In this episode, you will hear:
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Differences between trellis systems and vine training systems
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When and why to use single vs. double trunk strategies
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What “spare parts viticulture” is and where it makes sense
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Green topping and other fast-tracking methods explained
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How to manage training for high- and low-vigor vineyard sites
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Resources:
Check out Fritz’s additional resources to help you care for your vines and vineyard in years 1-3 at VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/YoungVineyard.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.
Episode Sponsor:
Today’s episode was brought to you by Sunridge Nurseries and the Inside Winemaking podcast.
Thank you to Sunridge Nurseries for sponsoring today’s episode. Sunridge Nurseries is the exclusive nursery sponsor of the Vineyard Underground podcast. They have been a family-owned company for over 45 years, and their dedicated focus on quality and consistency has grown them into the largest supplier of grapevines in both North and South America and the industry leader in nursery standards. Visit them today at SunridgeNurseries.com and mention the code Underground to receive a podcast listener discount on your vine order.
Thank you to the Inside Winemaking podcast for sponsoring today’s episode. To learn more about the art & science of winemaking with Jim Duane, visit www.insidewinemaking.com/ and listen to the Inside Winemaking podcast on your favorite podcast app with new episodes releasing every other Tuesday.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.