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/ 

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. 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.

In this episode, we are joined by a friend and repeat guest, Paul Crout. Paul is a leading pest control advisor, certified crop control advisor, and one of the foremost experts on wine grape nutrition, spray adjuvants, and more in the ag and viticulture realm. He currently works as a leading agronomist with Helena Agra Enterprises in California, and he has the honor of being the only guest we've had on the podcast three times!

Adjuvants can be a dry topic, but we promise this discussion provides a lot of valuable take-home information. It’s one of those episodes where you will want to take notes. Listen in and don’t forget to download the Spray Adjuvants to Increase Pesticide Efficacy Grower Guide.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What adjuvants are, when to use them, and which ones to use

• The two main categories of adjuvants - surfactants and special purpose

• When to use buffers and drift control agents

• The importance of knowing your water’s pH before adding an adjuvant

• Differences between non-ionic surfactants and organosilicone surfactants

• Understanding the use of methylated seed oils for tank mixing and pesticide application

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Resources:

Download Fritz’s member-only Spray Adjuvants to Increase Pesticide Efficacy Grower Guide available to podcast listeners through August 2025.

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

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

Today’s Guest:

Paul Crout is a Pest Control Advisor and Certified Crop Advisor, and one of the foremost experts on wine grape nutrition and spray adjuvants. He currently works as an Agronomist with Helena Agri-Enterprises in California.

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn and learn more about being Grape Wise with Helena.

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by SensorInsight and by Vigneron Toy Store.

Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today’s episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.

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

Episode Credits

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

There are three alternative canopy management practices that generate a lot of questions and sometimes confusion from growers.  So, in today’s solo episode I will cover these three canopy management practices - extreme leaf removal, shoot tipping, and palissage. I’ll go over each of these practices and discuss when they should be used to benefit your vineyard and in what instances these practices should be avoided.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The potential outcomes of extreme leaf removal

• The impact of extreme leaf removal on grapevine physiology and disease prevention

• Creative applications of shoot tipping or hedging

• The palissage method as an alternative to traditional shoot hedging

• New approaches surrounding the palissage method

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Resources:

Access more canopy management resources at VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/Canopy.

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

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by Shellt Grow Tubes and by SensorInsight.

Thank you to Shellt Grow Tubes for sponsoring today’s episode. Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States.

Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today’s episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring.  SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.

Episode Credits

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

Growers need to know which insects they need to treat and which they can ignore. While some insects pose a threat to grapevines, others can actually benefit them. In this episode, we have a discussion with the Distinguished Professor and Berry Crops Entomology Extension Specialist for Michigan State University, Dr. Rufus Isaacs, on this topic. Understanding when and what insects are actually a problem versus those that are hanging out or even providing a benefit is necessary for the health of your vineyard.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The insects that are most destructive during bud burst in the spring

• The insects that are destructive during bloom

• Methods and products for prevention and treatment of various pests

• How to identify thrips

• The importance of weekly scouting and knowing what to look for

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Resources:

Attend Fritz’s upcoming Winning with Shoot Thinning FREE LIVE Virtual Learning event on April 28th at 5:00 PM Central and ask your question live. Register for FREE: www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/winning.

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

Download the Michigan State Mobile Guide for Grape IPM: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/a-mobile-guide-for-grape-ipm-scouting-in-north-central-and-eastern-u-s

Listen to the related episode: Episode 21 - The Rise of the Spotted Lanternfly with Dr. Michela Centinari - https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/vu021/ 

Today’s Guest:

Dr. Rufus Isaacs is a Distinguished Professor and Berry Crops Entomology Extension Specialist for Michigan State University.

Connect with Rufus: https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/rufus_isaacs 

View his research work: https://www.isaacslab.ent.msu.edu/ 

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by SensorInsight and by Vigneron Toy Store.

Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today’s episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring.  SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.

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

Episode Credits

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

In this episode, we are joined by Alice Wise from Cornell University to talk about vineyard floor management and how concepts and best practices for vineyard floor management have evolved in recent years. Alice has been following trends and successes for grape growers in Long Island, New York, and across the Mid-Atlantic in general with her extension and research roles, and we know you are going to love what she has to share with us. 

Listen in to discover the evolution of vineyard floor management today!

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why growers decided they wanted a change in their management practices.

• About Alice’s sustainability program on the East Coast.

• The types of mechanical cultivation that were tried and their problems.

• What a lysimeter is and how it’s used.

• How to do your own cover crop research. 

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Resources:

Attend Fritz’s upcoming Winning with Shoot Thinning FREE LIVE Virtual Learning event on April 28th at 5:00 PM Central and ask your question live. Register for FREE www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/winning.

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

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

Today’s Guest:

Alice Wise is a Viticulture Researcher with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County

Connect with Alice at https://ccesuffolk.org/staff/alice-wise

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by Clemens Technologies and by Shellt Grow Tubes.

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

Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States.

Episode Credits

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

In this episode, we explore the world of sparkling wine production in unconventional regions with Mark Wenzel from Illinois Sparkling Wine Company and August Hill Winery, and Kaibab Sauvage from Sauvage Spectrum Winery in Colorado. These winemakers discuss their process of adapting viticulture to thrive in challenging climates, turning high-acid grapes into naturally sparkling wines without relying on conventional carbonation methods. 

The episode covers their brands' evolutions, vineyard management techniques, and creative varietal blends. Additionally, Mark and Kaibab share about vineyard management, yield strategies, and future innovations in sparkling wine. 

Listen in for inspiration and practical advice for grape growers and winemakers interested in expanding into non-traditional locales.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Sparkling wine production in non-traditional regions like Illinois and Colorado.
• Adapting viticulture for cold climates.
• The transition from carbonated to naturally sparkling wines.
• The varieties that Mark and Kaibab like to use.
• Vineyard management strategies, including yield management and trellis innovations.
• Tips for harvesting and managing vineyards specifically for sparkling wine production.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Resources:

Do you have a question for Fritz?

Attend Fritz’s upcoming Winning with Shoot Thinning FREE LIVE Virtual Learning event on April 28th at 5:00 PM Central and ask your question live. Register for FREE www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/winning.

Or go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button, to submit a question online for Fritz.

Today’s Guests:

Mark Wenzel is the founder and owner of August Hill Winery and the Illinois Sparkling Company.

Connect with Mark at https://augusthillwinery.com/ or https://iscbubbly.com/

or follow him at https://www.instagram.com/augusthillwinery/ or https://www.instagram.com/illinoissparklingco/

Kaibab Sauvage is the owner and manager of Colorado Vineyard Specialists LLC and the co-founder of Sauvage Spectrum Estate Winery & Vineyard.

Connect with Kaibab at https://sauvagespectrum.com/ or follow him at https://www.instagram.com/coloradovineyard/ or https://www.instagram.com/sauvagespectrumwines/?hl=en 

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by Shellt Grow Tubes and by Clemens Technologies.

Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States.

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

We are back with another one of our favorite types of episodes - a Q&A, where Fritz answers questions from growers like you, from all over the country. In today’s episode, we focus on questions pertaining to early season growing. This includes knowing when to prune and how much and knowing what to do about retraining trunks or working around tricky sections in your vineyard. Listen in now as you get ready for the upcoming growing season.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What to do if bud burst comes early
• How to predict how much water per acre is needed to spray as the canopy size increases
• What to do when you have one section that is sensitive to sulfur
• What to do when retraining trunks
• Is it okay to cut shoots back to the trunk when there is still a chance of a hard freeze
• Advantages of using a pruning wound sealant and when to use it

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Resources:

Do you have a question for Fritz? We’ve got 3 ways for you to get it answered!

• Attend Fritz’s upcoming Winning with Shoot Thinning FREE LIVE Virtual Learning event on April 28th at 5:00 PM Central and ask your question live. Register for FREE www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/winning.

• Attend an upcoming Live Vineyard Advising time with Fritz to ask your question live. Go to www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/guestpass to sign up.

• Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button, to submit a question online for Fritz.

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by Shellt Grow Tubes and by Bahco Tools.

Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND15 to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States.

As innovators for more than 165 years, Bahco has introduced the most advanced tools in the world, and Bacho products are manufactured in factories across Europe. I exclusively prune with the Bacho ERGO™ Bypass Secateurs with Elastomer Coated Fixed Handle (size medium).  Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with loppers, hedging tools, cutting blades, files, and more.

Episode Credits

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