Mechanizing a vineyard can lead to significant efficiency gains and cost savings, but it's important to start planning for mechanization early in the vineyard design process. Many new growers overlook this step, which can impact their adaptability for mechanization in the future. 

In this episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Matthew Fidelibus from UC Davis and Alan Thibault from Ashton Creek Vineyard and Vigneron Toy Store on the best mechanization practices from the start.

By considering mechanization from the beginning, vineyard owners can make sure their operations are set up for success and remain competitive in the ever-evolving wine industry.

In this episode, you will hear:

• How to start with mechanization from the beginning

• Why you should start planning for mechanization at site selection

• Challenges and benefits of mechanizing vineyard training systems and retrofitting existing vineyards

• Importance of vineyard uniformity for successful mechanization

• Economic considerations and strategic equipment investments for vineyard operations

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:

View the soil trafficability website mentioned in the episode - https://soilmap2-1.lawr.ucdavis.edu/soil-trafficability/ 

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 check out 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. Matthew Fidelibus is an extension specialist in the Department of Viticulture and Enology, UC Davis. Connect with Matthew and view his research - https://wineserver.ucdavis.edu/people/matthew-fidelibus#/ or follow him at https://bsky.app/profile/viticulture.bsky.social

Alan Thibault is the Winemaker & Vineyard Manager at Ashton Creek Vineyard and the co-owner of Vigneron Toy Store. Connect with Alan at https://www.ashtoncreekvineyard.com/ or https://www.vignerontoystore.com/ and follow him at @ https://www.instagram.com/ashtoncreekvineyard/ and @ https://www.instagram.com/vignerontoys/. 

Episode Sponsor:

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 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.

From the sun-drenched fields of Jalisco to the high-altitude terrains of Coahuila, Mexican winemakers like Alexandro Eguiarte of Viñedo Evangelista and Francisco Verastegui of Vinicola Refran Winery & Vineyard are leveraging the diverse conditions to produce distinctive wines that reflect the country's rich terroir. As the industry expands, it brings with it both opportunities and challenges that shape the future of viticulture in the region.

Listen in to this conversation with Alexandro and Francisco and learn about the wine and grape growing industries in Mexico and how they have evolved over the past couple of decades.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The evolution of grape growing in Mexico and the transition from brandy to tequila to wine
• The effect of tourism on grape growing in Mexico
• The climates in Jalisco and Coahuila and how they affect viticultural efforts
• Labor concerns and how to train workers effectively
• The challenges that come with growing grapes in these areas of Mexico

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:

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 Guests:

Connect with Alexandro Eguiarte of Viñedo Evangelista in Jalisco, México and follow them: @vinedoevangelista

Connect with Francisco Verastegui of Vinicola Refran Winery & Vineyard in Coahuila, Mexico and follow them: @refran_rec

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by Sunridge Nurseries and by SensorInsight 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 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.

When you grow up in the country with the most acreage of grapes, it only makes sense that you grow up to be a plant pathologist and research scientist in the world of viticulture. That was the case for Dr. José Ramón Úrbez-Torres. His studies took him from Spain to France, to California, and to Canada, where he studied under the best and gained valuable knowledge on grape growing and plant pathology.

In this episode, we discuss pruning wound disease and bust some of the common myths surrounding the topic. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• The significance of regional conditions on pruning strategies.

• The role of xylem vessels in disease spread and cultivar susceptibility.

• The importance of timing in pruning to minimize spore infection risk.

• The effectiveness of biological controls in vineyard management.

• The impact of pre-pruning on disease management and whether protection is necessary.

• The influence of moisture and spore release on fungal infection rates in vineyards.

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:

Visit VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/Prune to access, watch, or listen to top pruning content from Fritz including links to other podcast episodes related to pruning wound diseases.

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. José Ramón Úrbez-Torres is a research scientist and plant pathologist for the Canadian Agriculture Department.

Connect with Jose via email [email protected] and view his work - https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/fields-science/dr-jose-ramon-urbez-torres

Episode Sponsor:

Today’s episode was brought to you by Bahco Tools and by Sunridge Nurseries.

Thank you to Bahco for sponsoring today’s episode. 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.

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.

Do you know what to prioritize in each stage of the growing season? In this episode, we broke down the priorities with vineyard management expert Matt Doyle based on the three main phases: bud burst through bloom, fruit set through veraison, and veraison through harvest. Listen in for a detailed overview of what growers should pay attention to during each stage for a successful growing season.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Matt’s journey from Cornell to California to owning Doyle Vineyard Management in the Finger Lakes region.

• Strategic diversification in vineyard operations, including leasing vineyards, selling grapes, and offering management services.

• Techniques for handling diverse grape varieties and seasonal challenges like spring frosts and mechanization.

• Planning and executing vineyard tasks from bud burst through harvest.

• Post-harvest strategies for maintaining vineyard health and productivity.

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:

Register for Fritz’s FREE virtual live learning event, Breaking Bad Pruning Habits, on January 8th at 5 pm CST: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/breakingbad

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:

Matt Doyle is the founder and owner of Doyle Vineyard Management in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Doyle Vineyard Management is a premier grape grower within the Finger Lakes, NY region, as well as a full-service vineyard management company specializing in providing all aspects of custom vineyard management and consulting.

Connect with Matt at Doyle Vineyard Management or on Facebook or Instagram

Episode Sponsors:

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

Bahco makes the most precise and comfortable pruning shears on the market, which is why I have exclusively pruned with Bahco’s PX Model ERGO Bypass shears (size medium) for years because my hand gets much less fatigued thanks to their ergonomic design. Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market including their brand new P8 model precision shears, along with vineyard and orchard loppers, hedge shears, files, cutting blades, hand tools, and more.

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.

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.

Since we are nearing the end of 2024, this episode is a light-hearted conversation between four viticulture friends. As some of you may know, I started my career in viticulture in 1999. Three of my friends also began their grape growing journey that same year: Erin Amaral, Paul Crout, and Randy Heinzen.

In this episode, I’m joined by Erin, Paul, and Randy for a conversation about our experiences in the vineyard industry over the past 25 years. Listen in to this fun episode as we talk about how the industry has grown and changed and share our favorite stories over the last two and a half decades.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What the viticulture industry used to be like back in 1999

• What has changed in the past 25 years

• Technological advancements and research improvements

• What we can expect for the future of viticulture

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:

Register for Fritz’s FREE virtual live learning event, Breaking Bad Pruning Habits on January 8th at 5 pm CST: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/breakingbad.

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 Guests:

Erin Amaral is a vineyard manager for Pacific Coast Farming in San Luis Obispo, California and a licensed Pest Control Advisor.

Connect with Erin at Pacific Coast Farming or via email at [email protected]. 

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 or via email at [email protected]. 

Randy Heinzen is a global vineyard management expert who has worked with some of the world’s most sought-after vineyards. He is the owner and president of Vineyard Professional Services (VPS) in Paso Robles, CA. VPS currently manages over 4,000 acres across three counties along CA’s Central Coast.

Connect with Randy at Vineyard Professional Services.com or via email at [email protected].

Episode Sponsor:

Thank you to our friends over at 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.

Custom crush facilities are becoming a popular choice for grape growers who want to make wine without the hefty investment of building a full-scale winery. In this episode, industry experts Ryan Horn from Vintner's Vault and Greg Stokes from Ursa Vineyards and Bending Branch Winery share insights on this topic.

Listen in for an overview of what a custom crush is, who it is for, and how much you can expect to pay per bottle of finished wine.

In this episode, you will hear

• Advantages of custom crush facilities for grape growers

• Significance of custom crush services

• Supply and demand cycles in the grape industry and the role of custom crush facilities

• Traditional custom crush versus alternative proprietorships

• Logistics, legal considerations, and potential financial risks involved in custom crush operations

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:

Register for Fritz’s FREE virtual live learning event, Breaking Bad Pruning Habits, on January 8th at 5 pm CST

https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/breakingbad.

Download Fritz’s member-only Crop Estimation Tips guide - https://mailchi.mp/virtualviticultureacademy.com/crop-estimation-tips

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 Guests:

Ryan Horn is an award-winning winemaker and the founder and owner of The Vintner Vault – a leading winery equipment design and consulting company.

Website: https://www.thevintnervault.com/ Email: [email protected] 

Greg Stokes is an award-winning winemaker for Ursa Vineyards in the Sierra Foothills of California and Bending Branch Winery in the Texas Hill Country.

Websites: https://www.ursavineyards.com & https://www.bendingbranchwinery.com/ 

Email: [email protected] 

Episode Sponsor:

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.

Late season vineyard management is important for preparing your vineyard between harvest and dormancy, or whenever the ground freezes, depending on your location. In this episode, we cover each of the three main areas this period focuses on: compost application, vineyard floor management, and dormant season spraying.

Listen in for late season vineyard management tips on composting, cover crops, and sprays.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Benefits and considerations of using compost to improve soil structure and provide slow-release nutrients.

• Post-harvest fertilization tips, including nutrient timing and selection.

• Cover cropping for erosion prevention and soil health enhancement.

• Which cover crops to use and their benefits.

• Dormant spraying techniques to prevent fungal diseases and protect pruning wounds.

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:

Register for Fritz’s FREE virtual live learning event, Breaking Bad Pruning Habits, on January 8th at 5 pm CST

https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/breakingbad

Access additional compost resources and information from Fritz - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/compost

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:

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.

Ever wonder if removing leaves from young vines speeds up their growth? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. In this episode, we put five grape growing myths to bed and give you the clarity you need to nurture a thriving vineyard. Listen in to learn what the top five misheard grape growing concepts are – and find out if you are guilty of any of them. 

Whether you're a newbie grower or a seasoned pro, be prepared because your vineyard management practices might be turned on its head!

In this episode, you will hear:

• What happens when you remove leaves off young vines

• The importance of mature leaves in carbohydrate production and young vine training

• Whether competition from undervine crops is a good or bad thing

• Strategic use of fertilizers and risks of excessive nitrogen and potassium

• Pruning tips: timing, pre-pruning, and managing labor efficiently

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:

Schedule your 15-minute FREE vineyard help call with Fritz for the week of December 9th at www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/call. 

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

Access over 50 FREE topical vineyard Grower Guides and videos from Fritz at www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides.

Episode Sponsor:

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, we have a conversation on modern powdery mildew management with an expert on the subject, Dr. Michelle Moyer. A plant pathologist by training, Dr. Moyer is a professor and viticulture extension specialist at Washington State University. She has worked on the East Coast and the West Coast, helping people understand disease and pest pressures in their vineyards. Although the pressures are different on each side of the country, the principles are the same. Whether you are new or experienced in grape growing, you will gain valuable information from this episode with Dr. Moyer.

Listen in to learn about modern powdery mildew management so you can prevent an outbreak at your vineyard.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What powdery mildew is and how it affects grape vines

• What grape varieties are commonly affected by mildew

• The effect of UV and UVB light on plants with powdery mildew

• Conventional, organic, and biological spray products

• What do you do if you get an outbreak of powdery mildew

• What is the FRAME Network and Dr. Moyer’s role in 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:

Schedule your 15-minute FREE vineyard help call with Fritz for the week of December 9th at www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/call.

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

Access over 50 FREE topical vineyard Grower Guides and videos from Fritz at www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides

Today’s Guest:

Dr. Michelle Moyer is a Professor & Viticulture Extension Specialist with Washington State University.

Connect with Michelle and view her research: 

• Website: https://wine.wsu.edu/faculty/michelle-moyer/ 

• Email: [email protected] 

Episode Sponsor:

Thank you to our friends over at 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.

The Virginia wine industry has experienced a phenomenal transformation over the past three decades, largely attributed to the efforts of dedicated individuals like Dr. Tony Wolf. From a mere six wineries in 1980, Virginia now boasts a $1.5 billion industry with over 300 wineries.

In this episode, Dr. Wolf discusses what it was like when the wine industry began in Virginia in the 1980s, what challenges growers faced, and where they saw success. 

Listen in to learn how grape growing has become a booming industry over the past 30 years. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• The challenges Virginia grape growers faced in the 1980s.

• How Dr. Wolf impacted the wine industry in Virginia.

• The growth of canopy management practices, especially VSP.

• What makes vineyards successful in any location.

• What Dr. Wolf would tell himself 25 years ago.

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:

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

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 check out to save $89.00 as a thank you for being a podcast listener.

See the photos of the surprise gift Tony put in the accordion case.

Today’s Guest:

Dr. Tony Wolf recently retired from a 36-year-long career at Virginia Tech, where he served as a professor of viticulture and the head of the school’s agricultural extension and research center.

Episode Sponsor:

Thank you to our friends over at 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.