In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz continues his conversation with winemaker and Inside Winemaking podcast host Jim Duane on what it takes for grape growers to successfully step into winemaking. Following part one, which covered equipment, compliance, and basic chemistry, part two dives deeper into the realities of balancing vineyard management with winery responsibilities.

Fritz and Jim explore how harvest decisions shift when you’re making wine from your own fruit, weighing risks like weather and pests against the pursuit of higher quality. Jim shares how winemakers must rethink priorities, and they also break down which lab analyses should be done in-house versus outsourced.

The discussion covers the intense workload during harvest, how to plan labor needs, and the value of building a team to avoid burnout. Jim stresses the importance of advance planning to manage the overlapping demands of the vineyard and the winery. He also highlights common mistakes growers face when starting out, including mismanaging SO2 additions, misinterpreting acidity, and relying on incomplete fermentation data.

The episode closes with practical advice and resources for aspiring winemakers, from small-scale home fermentations to structured courses and workshops. Fritz and Jim encourage growers to start experimenting, make manageable mistakes, and seek mentorship to build both confidence and competence before fully scaling their operations.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How harvest decisions shift when growers begin making their own wine

• Why budgeting for laboratory analyses is non-negotiable in commercial winemaking

• Common mistakes with SO2, acidity adjustments, and fermentation management

• The importance of advance planning to balance vineyard and winery demands

• Practical resources and training opportunities for new winemakers

Follow and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.

Resources:

Watch Jim’s video on how to measure Titratable Acidity in Juice or Wine.

If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. 

Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout. 

Today’s Guest:

Jim Duane is the head winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in Napa Valley and the host of the Inside Winemaking podcast.

Connect with Jim, learn about upcoming winemaking courses and classes, and listen to the podcast at InsideWinemaking.com or follow him on Instagram: https://instagram.com/insidewinemaking or YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyzZ0EiFJEzFdiG6UTnyqMA.

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by Vintner’s Vault.  Vintner’s Vault was started and is operated by winemakers, so they have the knowledge and experience to help you make an educated decision on the equipment purchases and winery set-up and layouts that are best for you. They are the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers, who are also winemakers.

Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order, or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages, and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Many vineyard owners eventually consider moving beyond grape growing into winemaking, whether to create a new revenue stream, take control of their fruit, or explore a more creative outlet. In this episode, we welcome winemaker and podcaster Jim Duane of Seavey Vineyard and the Inside Winemaking podcast for the first part of a two-part discussion on how growers can make this transition successfully.

The conversation discusses the mindset, skills, and resources needed to move from vineyard to cellar. Jim shares why a formal chemistry degree isn’t required to produce quality wine, how growers can build confidence in their palate, and which common flaws are most important to recognize early. He also outlines three stages of winemaking where growers need to focus their attention: harvest chemistry, fermentation management, and post-fermentation protection.

Listeners will also gain insight into the required equipment for red and white winemaking, the importance of temperature control at each stage, and why barrels can be a turning point for quality. Fritz and Jim round out the discussion with advice on navigating licensing, compliance, and regulatory hurdles, plus a look at custom crush facilities as an option for growers who want to test the waters without a full winery investment.

This episode delivers practical, confidence-building advice for any grower curious about making wine and lays the foundation for part two, where the focus shifts to how vineyard practices change once you’re also the winemaker.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why a chemistry degree isn’t necessary to make quality wine

• Three key stages of winemaking where growers must focus their attention

• The most common wine flaws every new winemaker should learn to detect

• Equipment essentials for red and white winemaking at a small scale

• How custom crush operations can help growers test the waters before fully committing

Follow and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.

Resources:

If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. 

Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout. 

Today’s Guest:

Jim Duane is the head winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in Napa Valley and the host of the Inside Winemaking podcast. 

Connect with Jim, learn about upcoming winemaking courses and classes, and listen to the podcast at InsideWinemaking.com.

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by Vintner’s Vault.  Vintner’s Vault was started and is operated by winemakers, so they have the knowledge and experience to help you make an educated decision on the equipment purchases and winery set up and layouts that are best for you. They are the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers, who are also winemakers.

Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

In this episode, Fritz walks through the full planning process for a brand-new vineyard alongside guest Matthieu Wheeler. Matthieu, the winemaker at Cassidy Hill Vineyard in Connecticut and founder of Wheeler Winery, is preparing to establish his own vineyard on a newly purchased property. With Fritz’s guidance, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into selecting vineyard sites, designing blocks, and preparing the land for long-term success.

Fritz and Matthieu cover vineyard economics, including the realistic costs of establishing and maintaining vines, equipment investments, and the role of sweat equity. They also explore soil testing, nutrient management, and the importance of addressing amendments before planting. 

The conversation digs into key topics such as vineyard orientation, trellis design, row spacing, mechanization potential, and wildlife management. Fritz also emphasizes strategies to minimize risks from frost events, disease pressure, and poor site preparation. Whether you’re a prospective grower or expanding your existing operation, this episode provides guidance and a real-world example of how thoughtful planning lays the groundwork for decades of vineyard success.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The importance of soil testing and incorporating amendments before planting
• Budgeting realistically for vineyard establishment and equipment needs
• Balancing wine program goals with varieties suited to local conditions
• Considering labor, mechanization, and long-term management in vineyard design
• Why starting small and scaling over time helps new growers avoid costly mistakes

Follow and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.

Resources:

If you’re interested in Fritz’s help with getting your vineyard planned and planted, learn more about his Vineyard Establishment Package at https://www.VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/GetEstablished and use the code GetEstablished to save $499 off your purchase of this package as a thank you for being a podcast listener. 

If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. 

Today’s Guest:

Matthieu Wheeler is the winemaker at Cassidy Hill Vineyard and the founder and owner of Wheeler Winery. Connect with Matthieu or learn more about Cassidy Hill Vineyard and Wheeler Winery.

Cassidy Hill Vineyard

Website - https://cassidyhillvineyard.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057098184176# 

Wheeler Winery

Website -  wheelerwinery.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wheelerwinery/ 

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by Vigneron Toy Store. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code Underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz welcomes Adam Huss — host of the Beyond Organic Wine podcast, winemaker at Centralas Wine, and creator of the Crenshaw Cru Wine Garden in South Los Angeles. Adam shares his unconventional path into winemaking, beginning with a career in the nonprofit sector before launching a winery focused on ecological and community-driven practices.

The conversation explores Adam’s philosophy of going “beyond organic” to embrace an ecological approach to winegrowing — one that avoids getting boxed into industry buzzwords and instead focuses on the interconnectedness of soil, plants, people, and place. He discusses his work with regenerative agriculture pioneer Kelly Mulville at Paicines Ranch, his shift toward sourcing local fruit (including prickly pears and other native plants), and his experimentation with vitiforestry — a centuries-old practice of integrating grapevines with trees to create resilient, biodiverse systems.

Adam also explains how transparency in winemaking, creative use of wild or locally abundant ingredients, and community involvement shape his vision for wine that is both place-specific and environmentally sound. Listeners will hear stories from his LA-based wine garden, lessons from crop failures, and his plans for a vitiforestry project in New York that could produce wines unlike anything on the market.

Whether you grow grapes conventionally, organically, or somewhere in between, Adam’s journey offers a fresh perspective on how to balance environmental stewardship, economic sustainability, and community engagement in vineyard operations.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How “beyond organic” focuses on ecological connections rather than labels

• Lessons from Paicines Ranch on listening to the land before planting

• The concept and practice of vitiforestry, from hedgerows to “married vines”

• Creative use of local and wild ingredients in winemaking

• The role of community in sustainable agriculture and wine culture

Follow and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.

Resources:

Join Fritz live to learn about What Our Grapevine Leaves Are Telling Us – Diagnosing & Treating Symptoms on August 26, 2025 | 5:00-6:30 PM CST.  Register for FREE - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/symptons.

Schedule your 15-minute FREE vineyard help call with Fritz for the week of August 25th at www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/call. 

Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/Join! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.

If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. 

Today’s Guest:

Adam Huss is the podcast host of the Beyond Organic Wine podcast, the owner and winemaker for Centralas Wine in LA, and the creator of Crenshaw Cru Winegarden in South LA.

Connect with Adam:

Beyond Organic Wine Podcast

• Website - https://www.organicwinepodcast.com/

• Instagram - @OrganicWinePodcast

Crenshaw Cru - Perennial Winegarden & Centralas Winery

• Website - https://www.centralaswine.com/

• Instagram @centralaswine and @CrenshawCru

• Blog - https://www.centralaswine.com/blog

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by Clemens Technologies. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at [email protected] with any questions.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

In this episode, we welcome Hilary Graves, Vineyard and Grower Relations Manager at Booker Wines, to discuss how she successfully transitioned an Organic vineyard to regenerative organic certification. With over 20 years of field experience on California’s Central Coast, Hilary brings practical strategies and candid stories about what it really takes to move beyond standard organic practices.

Hilary explains the core pillars of regenerative organic certification — soil health, social fairness, and animal welfare — and why she and the team at Booker Wines chose to pursue this path. She walks listeners through how integrating multi-species cover crops, implementing low-till and no-till practices, and bringing in grazing livestock have helped improve soil structure, increase water retention, and reduce reliance on inputs. Fritz and Hilary also dig into the challenges of vineyard mechanization on steep terrain, minimizing tractor passes, and creative pest control strategies, including releasing predatory lacewings by drone to combat leafhoppers.

Whether you’re already farming organically or just exploring what’s next, this episode offers tangible examples of how even small changes can drive long-term benefits for your soil, your business, and the environment.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The difference between organic and regenerative organic certification

• How to build a diverse cover crop blend (and why 15 species might be better than five)

• Using a Yeomans plow to increase water infiltration without disturbing soil structure

• Grazing sheep for cover crop termination in a mutually beneficial partnership

• Why releasing beneficial insects by drone can outpace traditional sprays for pest control

Follow and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.

Resources:

Schedule your 15-minute FREE vineyard help call with Fritz for the week of August 25th at www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/call. 

Join Fritz live to learn about What Our Grapevine Leaves Are Telling Us – Diagnosing & Treating Symptoms on August 26, 2025 | 5:00-6:30 PM CST.  Register for FREE - www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/symptons.

If you’re starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, visit VirtualViticulureAcademy.com/growsmart to get Fritz’s online Prospective Winegrape Grower Course to help you get your vineyard planned and planted correctly from the start. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to save $89.00 as a thank you for being a podcast listener.

If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. 

Today’s Guest:

Hilary Graves is a winegrower, winemaker, and viticulture educator with more than 20 years of field experience on California’s Central Coast. She currently works as the Vineyard & Grower Relations Manager for Booker Wines in Paso Robles, CA.

Connect with Hilary and learn more about Booker Wines - https://www.bookerwines.com or follow her at https://www.instagram.com/hilarysgraves/ or https://www.instagram.com/bookervineyard/ 

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by Clemens Technologies.

Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at [email protected] with any questions.

Episode Credits:

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Vineyard Underground, we welcome Dr. Belinda Kemp, viticulture and enology researcher at NIAB in East Malling, England, to explore the evolving wine industry in the UK. With a background in theatrical arts and a PhD in Pinot Noir, Dr. Kemp brings a dynamic perspective to the scientific and practical aspects of cool climate viticulture.

The conversation covers England’s emerging reputation for sparkling wine, the impact of climate variability on grape production, and the country's increasing focus on sustainability and innovation. Dr. Kemp discusses the shift from traditional varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir toward disease-resistant hybrid grapes, including the introduction of PiWi varieties. She shares the challenges of managing common diseases like downy and powdery mildew and emerging threats like black rot.

Listeners also get a glimpse into the latest research projects at NIAB, including the effects of pruning methods on yield, the role of calcium in sparkling wine stability, and the use of companion plants to improve vineyard biodiversity. Dr. Kemp explains how NIAB integrates technology and sustainability — from acoustic soil monitoring to underground rhizolabs — to support growers and improve wine quality.

Whether you grow grapes in England or a similar cool, wet climate like the eastern U.S. or Canada, this episode offers applicable knowledge for tackling vineyard challenges and embracing innovation.

In this episode, you will hear:

• England's wine industry is expanding rapidly, with a strong focus on sparkling wines

• New disease-resistant grape varieties are being trialed to meet climate and production demands

• Variability in spring weather creates challenges for cover crops, planting, and pest pressure

• Calcium stability is becoming an issue in sparkling wine production — NIAB is studying causes and solutions

• Companion planting and acoustic soil monitoring are part of a systems approach to regenerative viticulture

Follow and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.

Resources:

Join Fritz live to learn about What Our Grapevine Leaves Are Telling Us – Diagnosing & Treating Symptoms on August 26, 2025 | 5:00-6:30 PM CST.  Register for FREE - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/symptons.

If you’re starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, visit VirtualViticulureAcademy.com/growsmart to get Fritz’s online Prospective Winegrape Grower Course to help you get your vineyard planned and planted correctly from the start. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to save $89.00 as a thank you for being a podcast listener.

If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. 

Today’s Guest:

Dr. Belinda Kemp is a Group Leader for Viticulture and Oenology Research at the new Wine Innovation Centre in East Malling, Kent, UK.  Her current research encompasses vineyard to final sparkling wine research that includes regenerative viticulture practices, Net Zero grape growing, sparkling wine flavor, and cool climate still winemaking. 

Connect with Belinda and view her research - https://www.niab.com/about/people/dr-belinda-kemp. 

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by Sunridge Nurseries Thank you to Sunridge Nurseries for sponsoring today’s episode. Sunridge Nurseries is the exclusive nursery sponsor of the Vineyard Underground podcast. They have been a family-owned company for over 45 years, and their dedicated focus on quality and consistency has grown them into the largest supplier of grapevines in both North and South America and the industry leader in nursery standards. Visit them today at SunridgeNurseries.com and mention the code Underground to receive a podcast listener discount on your vine order.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz welcomes Dr. R. Paul Schreiner, recently retired research plant physiologist from the USDA, for a deep dive into the fascinating world of mycorrhizal fungi and their impact on vineyard health. With over two decades of research experience in grapevine physiology and root biology, Dr. Schreiner shares the critical roles these fungi play in nutrient uptake, root efficiency, drought tolerance, and overall soil structure.

Fritz and Dr. Schreiner explore what arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are, how they form symbiotic relationships with grapevine roots, and why grapes are considered “super hosts.” They discuss how AMF enhances phosphorus acquisition, especially in low-P soils, and how they support the uptake of other nutrients like potassium, zinc, and copper. They also talk about factors that suppress or encourage fungal colonization, such as excessive fertilization, cultivation, cover cropping, and herbicide use.

Dr. Schreiner also previews ongoing research from the High-Resolution Vineyard Nutrition Project, which is helping redefine best practices for tissue sampling and nutrient timing. Whether you’re planting a new vineyard or managing an established one, this episode offers an essential look at how understanding underground biology can elevate your vineyard management decisions.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How grapevines form symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi

• Why phosphorus is the most important nutrient supported by AMF

• The effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on fungal colonization

• Whether commercial AMF inoculants are worth the investment

• Practices that promote healthy fungal populations in vineyard soil

Follow and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.

Resources:

If you are starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, apply to be on the podcast for Fritz’s help planning your vineyard – VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com/Contact/ 

Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/Join! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout. 

Today’s Guest:

Dr. R. Paul Schreiner is a research plant physiologist specializing in research on grapevine physiology with a focus on plant nutrition and the functioning of roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. He is currently working with the High Resolution Vineyard Nutrient Management Project as a co-director, leading the plant nutrition and product quality group.

Connect with Paul through the High Resolution Vineyard Nutrient Management Project: https://highresvineyardnutrition.com/. 

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by the Inside Winemaking podcast.

Thank you to the Inside Winemaking podcast for sponsoring today’s episode. To learn more about the art & science of winemaking with Jim Duane, visit www.insidewinemaking.com/ and listen to the Inside Winemaking podcast on your favorite podcast app with new episodes releasing every other Tuesday.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

In this solo episode, we take a deep dive into the many variables that influence young vine training in different climates. Listeners will gain a clear understanding of how climate, trellis selection, rootstock vigor, and regional weather risks shape vine training strategies. Fritz explains how cold-climate growers often rely on double trunks or “spare parts viticulture” to prepare for winter damage, while warmer-climate vineyards may benefit from fast-tracking techniques like green topping and one-shoot training for quicker vineyard establishment.

We walk through scenarios where single-trunk systems are ideal, when to consider double trunks, and how the practice of renewing trunks every few years can extend vine longevity. We also break down when to use green topping, how to avoid bull canes, and why mature leaves on developing trunks should never be removed. 

Growers will leave this episode with specific, actionable tips to match their training approach to their unique vineyard conditions, helping them improve both short-term success and long-term vineyard health.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Differences between trellis systems and vine training systems

• When and why to use single vs. double trunk strategies

• What “spare parts viticulture” is and where it makes sense

• Green topping and other fast-tracking methods explained

• How to manage training for high- and low-vigor vineyard sites

Follow and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.

Resources:

Check out Fritz’s additional resources to help you care for your vines and vineyard in years 1-3 at VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/YoungVineyard.

If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. 

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by Sunridge Nurseries and the Inside Winemaking podcast.

Thank you to Sunridge Nurseries for sponsoring today’s episode. Sunridge Nurseries is the exclusive nursery sponsor of the Vineyard Underground podcast. They have been a family-owned company for over 45 years, and their dedicated focus on quality and consistency has grown them into the largest supplier of grapevines in both North and South America and the industry leader in nursery standards. Visit them today at SunridgeNurseries.com and mention the code Underground to receive a podcast listener discount on your vine order.

Thank you to the Inside Winemaking podcast for sponsoring today’s episode. To learn more about the art & science of winemaking with Jim Duane, visit www.insidewinemaking.com/ and listen to the Inside Winemaking podcast on your favorite podcast app with new episodes releasing every other Tuesday.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz welcomes soil scientist Dr. Jaclyn Fiola for an in-depth discussion on one of viticulture’s most misunderstood nutrients — potassium. Drawing from her recent research and extensive fieldwork across the Mid-Atlantic region, Jaclyn breaks down how potassium behaves differently from other macronutrients, where it originates in the soil, and what makes its availability so complex for grape growers.

Fritz and Jaclyn explore why vineyards in the Eastern U.S. often see discrepancies between soil and tissue potassium levels and how that can impact grape quality, vine health, and ultimately wine pH. They dive into the implications of both potassium deficiency and excess, emphasizing how water availability and soil mineralogy play pivotal roles in potassium uptake. Growers will also learn why standard soil tests may not give the full picture — and why plant tissue testing, particularly whole-leaf sampling at veraison, is often more reliable.

Jaclyn shares the results of her groundbreaking study, highlighting best practices for sampling, how to interpret potassium levels accurately, and actionable steps for managing young versus mature vines. Whether you're planting a new vineyard or managing high potassium levels in an existing one, this episode equips you with the tools to make more informed nutrient management decisions.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Potassium largely comes from soil parent material, not organic matter, making it harder to assess with traditional testing.

• Moisture-rich soils increase potassium availability, especially in non-irrigated Eastern vineyards.

• Whole-leaf tissue testing at veraison gives the most accurate indication of potassium status in grapevines.

• Too much potassium can raise wine pH, affecting mouthfeel, color, and shelf life.

• Before applying potassium fertilizers, understand your soil minerals and use targeted tissue testing to avoid overcorrection.

Follow and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.

Resources:

Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout. 

If you are starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, apply to be on the podcast for Fritz’s help planning your vineyard - https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/contact/

Today’s Guest:

Dr. Jaclyn Fiola is a soil scientist who specializes in vineyard soils and soil science pedagogy. She works as an Assistant Professor of Soil and Environmental Science at Delaware Valley University.

Connect with Jaclyn, follow her, and view her research.

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by Vigneron Toy Store and the Inside Winemaking podcast.

Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today’s episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code Underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.

Thank you to the Inside Winemaking podcast for sponsoring today’s episode. To learn more about the art & science of winemaking with Jim Duane, visit www.insidewinemaking.com/ and listen to the Inside Winemaking podcast on your favorite podcast app with new episodes releasing every other Tuesday.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

In this episode of Vineyard Underground, host Fritz Westover welcomes Dr. Katie Gold, Assistant Professor of Grape Pathology at Cornell University, for a deep dive into how research drives informed spray program decisions in the vineyard. Dr. Gold brings her extensive expertise in grape disease management to the conversation, shedding light on how growers can use scientific data and field research to refine their fungicide strategies and protect their crops more effectively.

Fritz and Katie explore the critical role of disease forecasting models, including how they are developed and validated, and why it’s important for growers to go beyond the “calendar-based” approach to spraying. Dr. Gold emphasizes the value of using weather-based decision support tools and highlights ongoing research aimed at improving the precision and sustainability of vineyard disease management.

Listeners will gain a better understanding of how academic research translates into real-world applications, from identifying pathogen resistance patterns to making timely fungicide applications. Katie also discusses the impact of underutilized research, how misinformation can spread in farming communities, and why continuous learning and outreach are essential for successful vineyard operations.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Research-based spray programs outperform calendar-based models

• Disease forecasting tools help optimize fungicide timing and efficiency

• Growers should verify the reliability of sources when seeking vineyard advice

• Understanding fungicide resistance is key to long-term vineyard health

• Practical research translation is essential for sustainable vineyard practices

Follow and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the ‘+’ in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now.

Resources:

If you are starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, apply to be on the podcast for Fritz’s help planning your vineyard - VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com/Contact/ 

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Today’s Guest:

Dr. Katie Gold is an Assistant Professor of Grape Pathology at Cornell University, where she holds primary research and extension responsibilities for grape disease management in New York State.

Connect with Katie: https://cals.cornell.edu/kaitlin-gold

View her research work: https://blogs.cornell.edu/goldlab/

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by Clemens Technologies.

Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at [email protected] 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.