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- podcast· 54:21· Ep 24
024: Innovations for Scheduling Irrigation with Mark Greenspan
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
- podcast· 50:40· Ep 23
023: Debunking the Low Yield = High Quality Myth with Dr. Patty Skinkis
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 epis
- podcast· 45:22· Ep 22
022: Modern Tools for Crop Estimation with Dr. Terry Bates
In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Terry Bates, the director of Cornell's Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory, to explore the importance of crop estimation for successful vineyard management. We discuss the basics of crop estimation, including understanding the expected yield, ripening of the current crop, and how to prepare for the yield. We also talk about the optimal phenology timing for crop estimation and crop adjustment. Listen in as we explore the power of proximal sensing and how it can help with effective and accurate crop estimation. We examine how proximal sensing differs from other forms of sensing, such as satellite imagery, and how it can benefit growers of all sizes. Dr. Bates takes us through the different ways of doing crop estimation, from traditional methods to the latest technologies. We also discuss how vine health and crop estimation can be measured with proximal sensing and how this technology can be customized to suit both large and small growers. Don'
- podcast· 31:53· Ep 21
021: The Rise of the Spotted Lanternfly with Dr. Michela Centinari
Can you spot the spotted lanternfly? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Michela Centinari, Associate Professor of Viticulture at Penn State, for the latest research on this invasive insect pest and its impact on North American vineyards. Together, we explore all things spotted lanternfly for winegrape growers including identification, risk factors, preventative strategies, and treatment options. We cover how to identify spotted lanternfly in all stages of its life cycle along with what to do and how to report if you discover them in your vineyard. Michela walks us through not only geographical risk factors, but also risk factors like Tree of Heaven and the differences in susceptibility among vinifera, French-American hybrids, and wild grapes. And we cover effective treatment methods for eggs, nymphs, and adult lanternflies, as well as the challenges of treating adults close to harvest. By the end of our conversation, you'll be armed with valuable resources and knowledge to help ensure the
- podcast· 46:03· Ep 20
020: Leaf Removal – Why, When, How with Dr. Cain Hickey & Galen Troxell
Should you be practicing leaf removal in your vineyard? What's the correct timing? How much leaf removal is too much? In this episode, we dive into the why, when, and how of all things leaf removal so you can feel confident in your thinning decisions. Our guests are Extension Viticulturist Dr. Cain Hickey from Penn State University and seasoned grape grower Galen Troxell from Galen Glen Vineyards in Pennsylvania. We talk about the research that's been done on fruit zone leaf removal and their experience with it. We also discuss their individual practices and how they apply to different climates. In this episode, you will hear: What is leaf removal The reasons to practice leaf removal in your vineyard When should you thin your leaves in your climate The research on the effects of fruit quality as a result of leaf removal The effects of methoxypyrazines When and why Galen started implementing mechanical leaf removal in his vineyard Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you
- podcast· 38:24· Ep 19
019: Shoot Thin to Win with Marco Tessari & Ken Swegles
When we shoot thin, we force the vines to focus all their best energy where we want the production and where we want the vine to grow in the years to come. This is how international pruning expert Marco Tessari so perfectly explains the purpose of shoot thinning. Marco along with Ken Swegles of Rhizos Viticulture Consulting join me for this information-packed episode exploring what you need to know about shoot thinning for your current season and for the long-term growth and longevity of your conventional or organic vineyard. In this episode, you will hear: How shoot thinning directly ties into the work done while dormant pruning How proper shoot thinning is important for vineyard growth and longevity What vineyards need to shoot thin - cane vs spur vineyards Optimal shoot thinning timing Shoot thinning considerations for organic growers Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd l
- podcast· 40:31· Ep 18
018: Grower Questions Answered #2
We get many questions from growers like you all over the country and the world, so we are taking this episode to answer a handful of these questions on topics ranging from young vine training to fungicide rotation. Listen in, as you may have had some of these same questions in your vineyard, and stay tuned for more grower Q&A episodes in the future! In this episode, you will hear: In year two, should I let the fruit develop or drop? When should I start spraying vines in the season if there's rain in the forecast, and how does that affect the spread? What do you do if your vines are at different stages of bud development in the spring and rain is forecasted? Can I cut extra spurs back to the basil bud or thin the new green shoots? When and how is the best way to apply boron? Is using a fungicide with the same FRAC (Fungicide Resistance Action Committee) code on back-to-back sprays okay? Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the to
- podcast· 54:13· Ep 17
017: Using Sheep in Regenerative Agriculture with Kelly Mulville
In this episode, Paicines Ranch Vineyard Director and global agriculture consultant, Kelly Mulville, shares his passion and expertise on integrating regenerative agriculture principles including sheep into vineyard systems to increase ecosystem health, biodiversity, and profitability. Listen in to learn more about regenerative agriculture and how you can implement regenerative agriculture principles into your vineyard with or without sheep. In this episode, you will hear: What is regenerative agriculture and the core principles behind it Why regenerative agriculture is important for vineyards The benefits and challenges of grazing sheep in the vineyard Modifying vineyard design and the Watson training system for grazing sheep Considerations to weigh before adding sheep to your vineyard Ways to add regenerative agriculture principles into your vineyard without adding livestock Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right co
- podcast· 56:53· Ep 16
016: Nitrogen Sources and Strategies for Application with Paul Crout
Nitrogen is one of the most popular nutrients for wine growers when it comes to general fertilization. However, many of us don't understand exactly why it's utilized. We don't understand the deeper reasons behind why nitrogen is so powerful. If you relate to that, no need to worry. I brought my good friend Paul Crout onto the show today to help us understand all things nitrogen. Paul is one of the foremost experts on vineyard nutrition and spray, a leading pest control advisor, and a Certified Crop Advisor. He is currently practicing these skills as an agronomist with Helena Agri-Enterprises in California. He creates fertility plans and holds training programs for growers across the country. Paul is joining us today to talk about nitrogen sources and application strategies for your vineyard. He also dives into nitrogen testing. Paul is one of the only other people who can nerd out about vineyard nutrition as much as me so I hope you enjoy our incredible conversation! In this episode, y
- podcast· 24:51· Ep 15
015: Essential Vineyard Tasks Before Bud Burst
In this episode, we are diving into the essential vineyard tasks that you need to complete before bud burst in your vineyard to ensure you're prepared and ready for the growing season. A successful season depends on you and your crew's preparation. You must have a top-to-bottom plan for your vineyard so it can thrive during the upcoming season. From knowing when you plan to spray your crops and with what products to how you will manage the floor of your vineyard, a few tasks must be done before bud burst. This episode contains the four essential vineyard tasks and a few bonus tips so you can enter the season confident that your vineyard is healthy and prepared. Enjoy, and please reach out if you have follow-up vineyard preparation questions after you listen. In this episode, you will hear: How to correct pruning mistakes to ensure your shoots grow correctly. Tips on leaving clear buds on the spur positions. How to prepare yourself with spray products for the season. Fertilization tips
- podcast· 37:56· Ep 14
014: Holistic Approach to Vine Health, Production & Longevity
In today's episode, we get to listen in as Fritz presents the keynote presentation at the 2023 Ohio Grape & Wine Conference focusing on the holistic approach to vine health, production, and vineyard longevity along with best practice innovations for holistic vineyard management. Embracing a holistic approach entails looking at the complete system from the time you plant your vineyard through the life of your vineyard with focuses on: Vine Establishment Soil Quality & Vine Nutrition Vine Management Practices Disease Suppression & Exclusion Vine Longevity & Sustained Yields In this episode, you will hear: What a holistic vineyard management approach looks like Grower innovations to address vineyard challenges Soil conservation practices A closed system approach to vine training Vine training best practices Why shoot thinning during the green vegetative cycle is important Use of the Watson System across the country to solve diverse vineyard challenges Subscribe and Review Have you subscri
- podcast· 33:16· Ep 13
013: Grower Questions Answered
On today's episode of Vineyard Underground, I'm answering questions from winegrape growers across the country (and the world) on 7 very different topics. Listen in as my answers to these questions just might help you with questions you have had for your vineyard as well. If you have questions you need to be answered for your vineyard, remember you can click the Ask Fritz button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com In this episode, you will hear: How to identify and treat Phomopsis When and how to decide if struggling young vines should be replaced How to prevent damage from grape root borer How to move from a VSP (vertical shoot position) training system to a high-wire system Approaches for handling weed management Criteria for determining the best cane to use for trunks When and how to plant potted vines Subscribe and Review Have you subscribed to our podcast? We'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on App
- podcast· 51:24· Ep 12
012: Diseases of Pruning Wounds with Kendra Baumgartner
Pruning wounds can leave your vines and trunks susceptible to certain disease-causing pathogens. While this is an inevitable part of growing a vineyard, there are certain pruning practices that can mitigate the risks. It's also useful to familiarize yourself with the different infection processes between diseases so you have better agency to approach these vineyard problems accordingly. Joining today's conversation is Dr. Kendra Baumgartner, a USDA ARS research plant pathologist, who runs the research program in sustainable viticulture at UC Davis. Kendra focuses on the development of effective and efficient control strategies for fungal diseases of grapes. One of her areas of focus includes pruning wounds that affect trunks and cordons. Listen in as Kendra shares her in-depth knowledge about this topic. In this episode, you will hear: Types of pruning wounds that are at risk of infection Understanding the healing process of pruning wounds Top diseases on vines and trunk - symptoms and
- podcast· 1h 01m· Ep 11
011: Top Tips for Training Your Pruning Crew – Part 2
This week we are joined by 3 highly successful experts who train and run crews for a living as they share their first-hand experience and advice on training your pruning crew in this informative, in-depth episode. Our guests today are Ivan Gonzales of Vineyard Professional Services in Paso Robles, California, Jake Busching of Jake Busching Wines in Charlottesville, Virginia, and Rob Warren of Desert Willow Vineyard in Seminole, TX In this episode, you will hear: How experts train their crews Strategies for working with crews of different background and experience levels Common challenges for training a pruning crew The most common pruning mistakes crews make (and how to avoid them) Top tips to help you train your pruning crew Subscribe and Review Have you subscribed to our podcast? We'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts . Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a
- podcast· 12:29· Ep 10
010: Top Tips for Training Your Pruning Crew
You may know how to prune, but does your pruning crew know how YOU prune? Whether you're getting your friends or neighbors to help you out or you're hiring a large contracted crew, how they prune your vineyard can impact not only the success of this season but also the long-term health of your vineyard. In today's episode, we are going to talk about some things you need to consider for hiring a pruning crew, training options for your crew, and my top tips for training your pruning crew. Pruning is arguably the most critical management task for setting your vineyard up for a successful season so you must plan early. Your goals can change from season to season. Therefore, you need to ensure your vineyard is properly pruned for the age of your vines, the location of your vineyard, and your vineyard goals for the season. In this episode, you will hear: Planning the size and timing of your crew The challenge with blending in-house talent with outside labor Why you should invest in trained l
- podcast· 24:03· Ep 9
009: Vineyard Resolutions – Top 5 Actions to Be a Better Grape Grower
We can't help you make (or keep) your fitness resolutions, but today we will give you the information you need to make your vineyard healthier, happier, and more productive in the new year. On today's episode, we're going to talk about vineyard resolutions, specifically, the top five actions to Be a Better Grape Grower in 2023. These are actions that can be applied by growers of all experience levels. So stick around and make some New Year's resolutions for your vineyard. In this episode, you will hear: Why you must measure and monitor the pH of your water The importance of irrigation distribution uniformity Why monitoring your irrigation cycles is critical for vine health How nutrient sampling is essential for your vine health and your wallet How pruning impacts the longevity of your vineyard Subscribe and Review Have you subscribed to our podcast? We'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcas
- podcast· 57:08· Ep 8
008: Vineyards are Beautiful - I think I'll Plant One - Part 2
This week we are joined by a few growers who have recently started their own vineyards as they share their personal experiences and advice for you if you are considering planting a vineyard. Even if you've already planted your vineyard, you're still going to get some great advice from this fun episode. Vineyard owners come from many walks of life, so today with chat with a working professional that developed his vineyard with his family along side of his current career, a family that left the corporate world at a young age to start their vineyard, and a lovely couple who started their vineyard to keep them busy as they enter into retirement. Our guests today are Craig Little from the award-winning Stone Ashe Vineyards and Winery in Hendersonville, NC, Daniel and Kristina Limoges from the breathtaking Limoges Cellars in Cleveland, GA, and John and Rebecca Greenan from Las Huertas de Tejas Vineyard in Clairette, TX. In this episode, you will hear: About our guests and what made them want
- podcast· 34:40· Ep 7
007: Vineyards are Beautiful – I Think I'll Plant One - Part 1
Are you dreaming of starting a vineyard? If so, then this special 2-part episode is for you! Starting a vineyard can very quickly turn from a dream into a nightmare if you aren't properly educated and prepared for what it takes to start, own, and grow a successful vineyard. On today's episode, Fritz shares some key factors you need to consider before you start a vineyard. In Part II, you will hear from growers like you who have recently planted and established their first vineyards as they talk about their experiences being new vineyard owners. In this episode, you will hear: What makes for a good or bad vineyard location The importance of topography and soil Why you absolutely must have a proper and adequate water source The reasons why land use history for your site and the surrounding areas are important What it takes from you as a vineyard owner to be successful Common mistakes growers make in starting a vineyard, and how to avoid them Subscribe and Review Have you subscribed to ou
- podcast· 53:01· Ep 6
006: Why Pruning is the Most Important Vineyard Activity with Marco Tessari
Pruning has consequences, but only through awareness, can you improve your technique. We need to prune every year, but we have to do it properly and in a way that's respectful to the vine. After all, how your vines grow largely depends on how you treat them. In today's episode, international pruning expert Marco Tessari imparts his wisdom and knowledge about pruning as well as some tips and strategies to either start applying now or at least be thinking about as you're trying to develop your permanent vine structure. Sharing his expertise, whether traveling around the world or through online consultation, Marco is literally revolutionizing how growers are pruning their own vineyards. Marco also teaches an annual premium course for our Virtual Viticulture Academy community of growers that has been a huge success and has really helped a lot of growers learn how to prune properly and improve their vine productivity and longevity. Through his consulting, he's able to teach people how to pr
- podcast· 22:17· Ep 5
005: Top 3 Common Challenges for Experienced Growers
If you're an experienced grape grower, you likely already have a good grasp of your pest and disease management program, your general fertilization strategy, and your vineyard management and labor. As your vines grow and age, there's another set of challenges that you may have to face as an experienced grower. On today's episode of Vineyard Underground, we turn our focus on the three common challenges experienced growers may encounter. As your vineyards age, hopefully, they grow like fine wine. If you're a seasoned grower, this episode is made for you. And if you're a beginner grower, you can get ahead of the game by listening to this episode and learning what to expect as your vineyard matures. But make sure you've also listened to the previous episode on the top three common challenges for new growers and how to navigate those. Finally, if you're a grower with a troubled vineyard, maybe your vineyard is ailing or declining, Fritz is also sharing some special insights just for you. In
- podcast· 22:41· Ep 4
004: Top 3 Common Challenges (and how to approach them) for New Growers
Starting a vineyard is exciting, but it also presents some unique challenges that new growers are often unprepared for. You have to be wary of things like pests and diseases or make sure you're not overfertilizing your soil. Not to mention, finding an experienced crew that can handle complex and skilled activities in the vineyard. All that can be overwhelming – unless you have a great plan in place. In today's episode, Fritz talks about the top three most common challenges for new grape growers and how to avoid them. If you're an experienced grower, this episode is also a good measure for you to see how far you've come in your vineyard journey. Hopefully, being aware of these challenges and knowing how to prevent them or deal with them will get you prepared for the actual challenges that will come your way as a new grower. In this episode, you will hear: Designing and implementing a pest and disease management program Knowing whether to fertilize and when to apply a fertilizer Identify
- podcast· 20:12· Ep 3
003: Top 3 Vineyard Questions I Hear… All. The. Time
Whether you're new to grape growing or you just need a bit of confidence to assure you're doing things alright, there may be some questions that you might be asking yourself that need some clarification. In today's episode, Fritz reveals the top three questions about growing grapes that he hears all the time. He also shares practical tips to give you the solution and confidence that you need in your vineyard. Fritz has been helping grape growers achieve success in their vineyards for over 20 years through various positions he had held within the industry. Having worked with universities as a private consultant and educator, Fritz has definitely heard a lot of questions related to grape growing. Hopefully, you'll find some things you can apply to your vineyard as well. In this episode, you will hear: The best method to train your newly planted vines What causes the spots on the leaves and what to do with them Spraying vines before or after a rain event Examples of curative products appl
- podcast· 7:43· Ep 2
002: Success in the Vineyard Starts Underground
Why underground? You may ask. Well, have you tried sorting out a vineyard problem? You probably searched for answers in a textbook or some online resource. But what you see online or in textbooks doesn't always apply to your exact situation because there is a lot of variability from one vineyard to the next. You've got to figure out how to get to that perfect picture of what a vine should look like – but the routes can be numerous. Sometimes, we have questions that need a little bit more digging and more effort to get to the right answers. That is what the Vineyard Underground podcast is here for – to help you dig deeper into resources you wouldn't have otherwise gotten from what you see on the surface. Let this podcast help you dig deeper into the problems you find in your vines and help you find the solutions. The Vineyard Underground is your very own underground that allows you to access experts and information about all aspects of grape growing. In this episode, you will hear: The
- podcast· 22:51· Ep 1
001: Welcome to The Vineyard Underground Podcast
Welcome to the Vineyard Underground Podcast where we unearth what you need to know to be a better grape grower! Hosted by Fritz Westover, this podcast is designed to help grape growers achieve success in their vineyard journey. In each episode, we'll share best practices in the industry, offer practical tips, and answer questions. We will help growers, like you, make some quick wins through practical information you can directly use in your vineyard. We're bringing in some experts, not just in the field of viticulture (the science of grape growing), but also in soil science, geology, or anything that can impact the way grape vines grow. Having worked and met with a lot of people from various regions all over the country, Fritz brings in a ton of perspective and first-hand knowledge about the art and science of grape growing. Fritz has made mistakes and has seen a lot of mistakes made over the years. And so, the goal is to help you not make those same mistakes. In this episode, Fritz sh