The Chronicle
Latest dispatches
97 results across all types
podcast· 1h 03m· Ep 48048: Advances in Vineyard Nutrition Monitoring with Dr. Markus Keller
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, especial
podcast· 50:18· Ep 47047: Crop Regulation & Fruit Thinning Strategies with Dr. Mark Krasnow
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 foll
podcast· 1h 10m· Ep 46046: Listener Questions Answered with Jim Duane #2
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
podcast· 59:42· Ep 45045: Vineyard Floor Management - Herbicide Alternatives with Dr. Marcelo Moretti
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-sta
podcast· 1h 00m· Ep 44044: 3 Months Post Planting - Actions for New Vineyards with Mark Chien
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
podcast· 1h 05m· Ep 43043: Vine Planting & Site Prep with Randy Heinzen
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 import
podcast· 1h 05m· Ep 42042: Listener Questions Answered with Jim Duane
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' b
podcast· 54:19· Ep 41041: Mastering Irrigation Distribution Uniformity with Dr. Franklin Gaudi
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 emit
podcast· 32:25· Ep 40040: Understanding Biological Products with Dr. Pam Marrone
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 e
podcast· 49:54· Ep 39039: Effective Vineyard Spraying with Dr. Andrew Landers
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: Wha
podcast· 1h 01m· Ep 38038: Understanding Pruning Wounds & Protection Options with Dr. Akif Eskalen
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
- podcast· 1h 00m· Ep 37
037: Unique or Alternative Pruning Methods with John Thull and Marco Tessari
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 hea
- podcast· 48:42· Ep 36
036: Pruning & Training Vinifera for Harsh Winter Survival with Joe Juniper
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
- podcast· 30:02· Ep 35
035: Grower Questions Answered #3
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
- podcast· 25:25· Ep 34
034: Why Sustainability Certification Programs for Vineyards Matter – with Beth Vukmanic
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 Coas
- podcast· 43:26· Ep 33
033: 6 Essential Factors for Starting & Growing a Successful Vineyard - Part 2
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 manag
- podcast· 28:33· Ep 32
032: 6 Essential Factors for Starting & Growing a Successful Vineyard - Part 1
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 s
- podcast· 42:32· Ep 31
031: Rootstock Trials with Dr. Gill Giese
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 re
- podcast· 28:09· Ep 30
030: 2023 Vineyard Successes & Failures
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 con
- podcast· 39:53· Ep 29
029: The Science of Soil Mapping with Bubba Beasley
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 h
- podcast· 47:35· Ep 28
028: Top 4 Post Harvest Vineyard Priorities
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 u
- podcast· 31:19· Ep 27
027: Why Grape Growers Should Care About YAN with Dr. Anna Katharine Mansfield
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 potenti
- podcast· 55:09· Ep 26
026: Preventing & Combating Sour Rot with Dr. Megan Hall and Dr. Mizuho Nita
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 oxid
- podcast· 35:25· Ep 25
025: A Winemaker's Take on Harvest with Denise Gardner
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 th