Vineyard Underground

What are rootstock trials, and why are they important for your grape-growing operation? Listen in as I have a discussion with Dr. Gill Giese from the College of Agriculture at Arkansas State University on the latest findings in rootstock trials and what they mean for vineyards today and in the future.

In this episode, Gill and I talk about the results of the rootstock trials conducted in New Mexico and how they can impact wine growing in the region and elsewhere. We discuss the importance of cold hardiness and phylloxera resistance and how rootstocks can be created to address climate change issues and many other factors.

Listen in to learn about the findings of the research and what they mean for your vineyard.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What rootstocks are and where they originated.
• The many environments that rootstocks can grow in due to crossbreeding and adaptation.
• Why we need to continue to trial and develop rootstocks.
• Some of the surprising things Gill learned during his research.
• The future of rootstock development.
• Tips for growers on where to start and how to select their rootstocks.

Follow and Review:

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Episode Resources:

Join Fritz for his FREE live virtual learning event - 2023 Vineyard Successes & Failures - November 1st at 6:00 PM CST. - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/2023-vineyard-successes-failures/

If you missed the live event, you can access the FREE video recording and learn the top 2023 season takeaways at a time that works for your schedule. - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/2023-vineyard-successes-failures/

View the New Mexico rootstock research data from Gill Giese mentioned in the episode.

If you have questions about today's episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.

Want to Be a Better Grape Grower? Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.

Episode Sponsor:

Thank you to our friends over at SensorInsight for their sponsorship of today's episode. SensorInsight provides actionable information for your vineyard operations. Their mobile app and dashboard visualizations provide irrigation, weather, and soil moisture analytics from your sensor systems. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io/. And don't forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.

Today's Guest:

Dr. William "Gill" Giese is an assistant professor in the College of Agriculture at Arkansas State University. Prior to this, he taught agriculture/viticulture at Surry Community College in North Carolina, and most recently worked as a Viticulture Extension Specialist for New Mexico State University. His applied research included variety and rootstock trials, irrigation study, nematode modeling, and cover crops to enhance pollinator habitat, support soil health and optimize grape production and quality.

Connect with Gill - Email | Website

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 nearing the end of the year already, which means it's time to discuss our 2023 vineyard season-end review. This is a solo episode where I'm going into a lot of detail on the past year from a viticulturist's perspective. During this review, I discuss trends I've seen across North America, including the common things that worked and ones that didn't.

I am also happy to announce that it's the one-year anniversary of the podcast! I cannot believe how quickly the podcast has grown and the amount of support the show has received. Thank you to all the listeners who subscribe, download, and share the show's episodes. I look forward to another exciting year of learning about your vineyards and how we can help them succeed.

In this episode, you will hear:

• The implementation of mechanization for vineyard management and grape quality.
• The impact of timely thinning, leaf removal, fruit dropping, and other canopy management techniques.
• The adoption of biological products in vineyards.
• Why contracts with buyers are important.
• How drought and extreme heat have affected vine health and crop yield.

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.

Episode Resources:

Join Fritz for his FREE live virtual learning event - 2023 Vineyard Successes & Failures - November 1st at 6:00 PM CST. - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/2023-vineyard-successes-failures/

If you missed the live event, you can access the FREE video recording and learn the top 2023 season take-aways at a time that works for your schedule. - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/2023-vineyard-successes-failures/

If you have questions about today's episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.

Want to Be a Better Grape Grower? Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.

Episode Sponsor:

Thank you to our friends over at SensorInsight for their sponsorship of today's episode. SensorInsight provides actionable information for your vineyard operations. Their mobile app and dashboard visualizations provide irrigation, weather, and soil moisture analytics from your sensor systems. 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.

In this episode, we are literally going underground. We're having a conversation with my pal Bubba Beasley about the science of soil mapping and why soil mapping is important for vineyards, even if your vineyard is already established. Bubba is a geologist and founder of HydroGeo Environmental. He is an expert in every sense of the word when it comes to soil mapping and vineyards.

We discuss NCRS maps and how they help streamline the planting process, how to evaluate soil, the importance of soil sampling for mineral nutrition, and more. Bubba also shares the future of soil mapping and how technology is revolutionizing this field. Listen in to learn all about the science of soil mapping for your vineyard's success.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Bubba's journey from being a rock collector to an expert in vineyard soil mapping and his current work at HydroGeo Environmental.

• What Bubba is looking for to help the grower design and plant the vineyard.

• The impact of NRCS maps and how they help streamline the process.

• How well-drained soils can impact grape ripening and how soil mapping can enhance wine quality by identifying different terroir zones.

• The intricacies of soil analysis, including soil horizons, mineral nutrition, and cation exchange balance.

• The role of technology, like AMS soil augers and the potential use of drones in revolutionizing soil mapping.

• The importance of soil sampling in vineyard management.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click the '+ Follow' button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-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 new Soil Sampling Grower Guide available for free to podcast listeners: https://mailchi.mp/ce66df364e90/soil_sampling

• Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com, and save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/

• If you have questions about today's episode or other grape growing questions, use the Ask Fritz button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com: https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/

Episode Sponsor:

Thank you to our friends over at AMS, Inc. for their sponsorship of today's episode. AMS manufactures soil augers, soil probes, soil core samplers, sludge and sediment samplers, soil gas samplers, and more. Which includes one of Fritz's all-time favorite vineyard tools – the 3-1/4" Pro Series Regular Auger, 3/4" Thread. Contact them today at https://www.ams-samplers.com/.

Today's Guest:

Ernest (Bubba) Beasley, MS, CPG, is a geologist and soil scientist and the founder of HydroGeo Environmental.

Connect or work with Bubba:

• Email: [email protected]

• Website: https://www.hydrogeoenvironmental.com/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HydroGeoEnvironmentalLLC

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beasleybubba/

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.

It is post harvest time for many of our northern listeners. You made it through the peak season, and you are now surviving through the fall and preparing your vineyard for leaf drop. In this solo episode, we are diving into the top four post harvest vineyard priorities for healthy, happy grape vines going into winter dormancy. We dig into late season fertilization, nutrient management, soil moisture management, and preparing for the next year.

If you want to set your grape vines up for success and have a productive vineyard next year, then this episode is a must listen for you!

In this episode, you will hear:

• The importance of late-season fertilization and nutrient management for vine health post harvest.

• Monitoring soil moisture before the ground freezes to ensure the vines are healthy.

• Tips on spotting signs of vine stress, vigor, or disease and how to fix any issues.

• Why you have to record data about your vineyard for future planning.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' 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:

Get your vineyard questions answered live - Live Vineyard Advising Guest Pass!

Download Fritz's Annual Vineyard Management Snapshot Template.

Learn more with these free Grower Guides referenced in today's episode or check out all the grape growing content and resources at VirtualViticultureAcademy.com.

• Young Vine Care – Dormancy Preparation: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/young-vine-care-dormancy-preparation-2/

• Instructions for Grape Leaf Blade Sampling: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/instructions-for-grape-leaf-blade-sampling/

• Instructions for Grape Petiole Sampling: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/instructions-for-grape-petiole-sampling-2/

• Target Nutrient Values – Soil | Whole Leaves | Petioles

• Identifying Veraison to Harvest Leaf Symptoms: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/identifying-veraison-to-harvest-leaf-symptoms/

• What Are Your Leaves Telling You – Diagnosing Vine Disorders: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/what-are-your-leaves-telling-you-diagnosing-vine-disorders/

• End of Season Vineyard Checklist: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/end-of-season-vineyard-checklist/

If you have questions about today's episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.

Episode Sponsor:

Thank you to our friends over at SensorInsight for their sponsorship of today's episode. SensorInsight provides detailed environmental and soil monitoring systems. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io/.

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.

As a wine-grape grower, yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) is an important factor to measure in your grapes and wine. On today's episode, Professor and Enologist Dr. Anna Katharine Mansfield joins us to share her expertise on the role of yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) and nitrogen in wine quality and fermentation.

Her work and focus on sensory science and flavor chemistry for wine production brings a unique perspective as we discuss all things YAN: what it is, why it's important, and how to measure it. Most people measure sugar, pH, and titratable acidity, but many skip measuring YAN, although a Cornell study has proven that more people prefer wine that was produced from grapes containing adequate YAN levels in the grapes at harvest.

Listen in to learn all about this often overlooked yet important measurement.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) is and why it's important in grape growing.
• The role of nitrogen in the fermentation process and its potential to affect the wine's characteristics.
• The effect of amino acids converted during fermentation on the varietal characteristics of the wine.
• The problem with having too much YAN for the fermentation.
• The most common grower missteps related to YAN levels that can occur before harvest and how to avoid them.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd 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:

Read more about how foliar urea nitrogen sprays can help increase YAN as mentioned in the episode:

• Improving Management Options for YAN in the Vineyard and Winery - Cornell University https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/blogs.cornell.edu/dist/0/7265/files/2016/11/ImproveYAN-2hf4qzz.pdf
• Fertilize or Supplement: The Impact of Nitrogen on Vine Productivity and Wine Sensory Properties in Chardonnay - American American Journal of Enology and Viticulture https://www.ajevonline.org/content/73/3/156

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

If you have questions about today's episode or other grape-growing questions, use the Ask Fritz button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com.

Today's Guest:

Dr. Anna Katharine Mansfield is a leading expert in enology and sensory science. She currently works as an associate professor of enology at the Cornell Craft Beverage Institute (CCBI) in New York state.

Connect with Anna Katherine - Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram

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.

Listen in as we engage in a riveting conversation with two remarkable experts, Dr. Megan Hall and Dr. Mizuho Nita, about sour rot, a challenging disease that can significantly impact winegrapes. Through this discussion, we gain a deeper understanding of sour rot, exploring how to identify it, why and how it occurs, and the various organisms and insects involved. Megan shares her unique insights and invaluable experience in managing sour rot in grapes. We also delve into her ground-breaking research on the disease and offer practical advice on how to prevent it in vineyards.

We also discuss control strategies for sour rot disease, highlighting the importance of timely spraying before symptom development. Megan and Mizuho share their collective wisdom on the three primary contributors to sour rot. They then shed light on their research findings regarding the best combination of antimicrobial plus insecticide sprays.

Additionally, Mizuho shares his expertise on alternative options to oxidate, such as bio fungicides, which could potentially reduce the impact on fermentation. As always, we ensure to wrap up the conversation by sharing valuable resources for our listeners, equipping grape growers with the knowledge needed to manage this challenging disease.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why and how sour rot occurs.
• The signs and symptoms of sour rot.
• The role that insects & microorganisms play in causing and spreading sour rot.
• What cultural practices play a role in prevention.
• Alternative products for preventing and treating sour rot.
• The importance of proper spray timing and planning to prevent resistance development from over-spraying.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd 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 other grape growing questions, use the Ask Fritz button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com.
• Access free Virtual Viticulture Academy Grower Guide videos and how-to-guides. Or take your grape growing knowledge to the next level with an annual Virtual Viticulture Academy membership – use the code Underground to save $75 on your first year of membership.

Today's Guest:

Dr. Megan Hall holds a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology from Cornell University and an M.A. from York University in Sociology and Law.

Megan spent seven years on a groundbreaking research project focused on the causes of sour rot. Prior to this research, growers' tools for managing sour rot were limited because the causal organisms of the disease were unknown. Following this research, Megan served as an Assistant Research Professor and Viticulture Program Leader at the University of Missouri before joining E. & J. Gallo Winery as a Research Scientist in the Winegrowing Research division.

She now works as an independent research-based scientific consultant specializing in agriculture and fermentation with Terroir Consulting Group.

Connect with Megan:

• Email: [email protected]
• Terroir Consulting Group: https://www.terroirconsultinggroup.com

Dr. Mizuho Nita holds both a Ph.D. and M.S. in Plant Pathology from Ohio State.

He is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist of grape pathology at Virginia Tech's Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Winchester, VA. He also serves as a Specially Appointed Associate Professor at Shinshu University in Japan.

His academic interest is in the areas of applied plant pathology and plant disease epidemiology. His current research projects include:

• Use of a biological control agent for grapevine crown gall
• Management of grape-ripe rot
• Epidemiological studies of grapevine leafroll-associated virus and its vectors
• Grape disease management tool (GrapeIPM.org)
• Trunk diseases
• Organic and alternative fungicides

Mizuho provides loads of helpful information and research data via his blog, including the Sour Rot Trial he mentions during the podcast.

Learn more about GRAPEIPM.ORG - An online system to help you keep track of fungicide inventory, spray scheduling, share the schedule, and keep and print records of actual spray application.

Connect with Mizuho:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/alson-h-smith/people/nita-bio.html
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrapePathVATech

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.

Join us on the Vineyard Underground podcast as we welcome Denise Gardner, a renowned winemaking consultant and wine grape educator. Our exciting conversation begins with an exploration of how pre-harvest and harvest actions in the vineyard can greatly influence the quality of wine. Listen in as Denise shares her unique journey to becoming an acclaimed winemaker, as well as the industry accreditations she's gathered along the way.

Our conversation focuses on the importance of preparation and planning ahead of the harvest season. Denise offers insightful advice on how to improve wine quality, the significance of getting wines bottled before the harvest commences, and the need to check equipment months in advance to avoid breakdowns. Don't miss this enlightening conversation about the art and science of winemaking!

In this episode, you will hear:

• Denise's secrets for pre-harvest and harvest activities that influence wine quality.
• The importance of bottling wines before the onslaught of the harvest and timely equipment checks.
• The need for meticulous planning and understanding of winemaking as a combination of art and science.
• Detailed discussion on post-harvest considerations to ensure wine quality.
• Winemaking strategies based on juice analysis and the importance of checking yeast available nitrogen (YAN) levels.
• The importance of continued wine monitoring, regular sanitation, and updating compliance documentation post-harvest.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd 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 other grape growing questions, you can visit VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Or, come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com, and save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout. Download Denise Gardner's Winemaking Harvest Must-Haves Product List available exclusively for podcast listeners until September 15th!

Check out these wine making resources from Denise Gardner Winemaking.

1. Read or subscribe to the Winemakers' Blog: https://www.dgwinemaking.com/winemakers/category/blog-posts/
2. Get twice monthly winemaking help with a DGW Elite Membership: https://www.dgwinemaking.com/winemakers/learn-winemaking/
3. Grow your wine appreciation with the Taste Wine with a Pro virtual tasting group: https://www.dgwinemaking.com/winelovers/taste-wines-with-a-pro/
4. Download Denise Gardner's Winemaking Harvest Must-Haves Product List available exclusively for podcast listeners until September 15th!

Today's Guest:

Denise Gardner is a winemaking consultant and educator and the founder of Denise Gardner Winemaking. She consults with winemakers all over the country to achieve their desired results for their wines and FDA-compliant winemaking.

Connect with Denise:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dgwinemaking/
• Denise Gardner Winemaking: https://www.dgwinemaking.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.

Tune in as we have an enlightening discussion with Dr. Mark Greenspan, founder of Advanced Viticulture, about the latest innovations in irrigation scheduling and how it influences wine quality. We take a closer look into the intricacies of irrigation scheduling and its influence on wine quality. For over 30 years, Mark has been working with growers as an advisor and consultant, and he shares his unique expertise on viticulture in this episode.

Listen in as we explore how the strategic use of deficit irrigation can induce stress in the vine and ultimately affect the chemical makeup of the grapes. We discuss the differences between red and white grape vines, strategies for managing the canopy size and yield of each, and when to apply water stress to achieve the desired outcome. We also delve into the use of soil moisture sensors and the pressure bomb to determine when and how long to irrigate, along with other established methods of scheduling irrigation.

Mark provides insights into some of the newer techniques to reduce the VPD, and we touch on the topic of micro tensiometers. If you're looking to improve your vineyard's yield and quality, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode, you will hear:

• The importance of strategic irrigation and advanced technology in optimizing vineyard yield and wine quality.
• A detailed examination of how irrigation input reduction can affect vine stress and the chemical composition of grapes.
• A deep dive into soil moisture sensors and pressure bomb usage in determining irrigation timing and duration.
• An exploration of vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and its influence on fruit yield and quality, along with strategies to reduce it.
• The emergence of micro tensiometers as a new technology for measuring water potential in vineyards.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd 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:

Learn more about using plant and soil data for optimal irrigation decisions with Fritz's member-only video course - Use of Soil & Plant Data for Irrigation Decisions - available for podcast listeners to access until September 1st.

If you have questions about today's episode or other grape growing questions, use the Ask Fritz button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com. Or see the photos of Fritz and Mark in the rocky vineyard in La Mancha, Spain, that they talk about at the beginning of the episode. If you are in the northern or central coast areas of California and want to learn more about how

Mark and his team can help your vineyard, visit AdvancedVit.com. And, if you want to learn more about the company I use with my clients for soil moisture monitoring, reach out to Steven at SensorInsight.

If you are looking for more grape-growing resources and content check out VirtualViticultureAcademy.com for free how-to guides and videos. Or, come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com and get access to member-only content and twice monthly live vineyard help and advice from Fritz. Use the code Underground at checkout to save $75 off your first year of membership.

Today's Guest:

Dr. Mark Greenspan is the founder and president of Advanced Viticulture, Inc, a wine-growing consulting and vineyard management company primarily focused in the north and central coast of California. He holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering, an M.S. in Viticulture and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering and has almost 30 years of viticultural experience.

Connect with Mark:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patty-skinkis-98a0592b
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/advanced_viticulture/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Advancedvit

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.

Prepare to have your perceptions challenged as we explore the intriguing relationship between wine yield and quality. Today, we welcome the brilliant Dr. Patty Skinkis, renowned for her work as a viticulture extension specialist at Oregon State University and the host of the Hi-Rez Vineyard Nutrition podcast. She'll be guiding us on a journey that will bust the industry myth that higher quality wine comes from lower yields.

Dr. Skinkis has spent the past decade committed to a unique vineyard experiment, focusing specifically on the effects of cluster thinning on the much-loved Oregon Pinot Noir. It's an exciting exploration into the treatments applied, the customization for the growers, and the challenges and triumphs along the way.

Listen in and you may be surprised to discover that crop thinning to lower yield doesn't significantly impact the fruit or wine quality, brushing off a long-standing industry belief and paving the way for improved profit per acre for vineyards.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Dr. Patty Skinkis bust the yield and quality myth, by sharing the information she gathered during a decade-long vineyard experiment studying the effects of cluster thinning on Oregon
• Pinot Noir, including vintages, lag phase, and grower customization.
• How the Oregon wine industry studied the effects of cluster thinning and the timing of the cluster thinning in vineyards and the impacts on wine quality from lower vs. higher yields.
• The economic impact for growers of busting the Low Yield = High Quality Myth.
• How Dr. Patty Skinkis's research provides growers and winemakers with data to compare yields and determine overcropping.
• How growers and winemakers measure balance in vineyards by tracking pruning and cluster weights, assessing visual balance, and collecting data for target yields.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd 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 other grape-growing questions, use the Ask Fritz button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com. Access free Virtual Viticulture Academy Grower Guide videos and how-to-guides. Or take your grape-growing knowledge to the next level with an annual Virtual Viticulture Academy membership – use the code Underground to save $75 on your first year of membership.

Today's Guest:

Patricia (Patty) Skinkis, Ph.D., is a Professor & Viticulture Extension Specialist at Oregon State University and the host of the HiRes Vineyard Nutrition Podcast.

Connect with Patty:

• Website: https://owri.oregonstate.edu/users/patricia-skinkis
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patty-skinkis-98a0592b
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patty.skinkis/
• Podcast: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/podcast/hires-vineyard-nutrition-podcast

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're joined by Dr. Terry Bates, the director of Cornell's Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory, to explore the importance of crop estimation for successful vineyard management. We discuss the basics of crop estimation, including understanding the expected yield, ripening of the current crop, and how to prepare for the yield. We also talk about the optimal phenology timing for crop estimation and crop adjustment.

Listen in as we explore the power of proximal sensing and how it can help with effective and accurate crop estimation. We examine how proximal sensing differs from other forms of sensing, such as satellite imagery, and how it can benefit growers of all sizes. Dr. Bates takes us through the different ways of doing crop estimation, from traditional methods to the latest technologies. We also discuss how vine health and crop estimation can be measured with proximal sensing and how this technology can be customized to suit both large and small growers.

Don't miss out on this insightful discussion about modern tools for crop estimation.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Why accurate crop estimation is essential for successful vineyard management
• What the optimal phenology timing is for crop estimation and crop adjustment
• How proximal sensing is being used to advance crop estimation, measure vine health, and more

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Episode Resources:

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

If you have questions about today's episode or other grape growing questions, use the Ask Fritz button at VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com.

Crop Estimation Resources – Fritz Westover

• Late Season Cluster Thinning to Improve Crop Uniformity Video: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/late-season-cluster-thinning-to-improve-crop-uniformity/
• Mid-Season Vineyard Strategies Video: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/mid-season-vineyard-strategies/
• View the full Grower Guide Library: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/grower-guides/

Resources – Dr. Terry Bates

• Efficient Vineyard Project - MyEVTool: https://www.efficientvineyard.com/
• Using Bloom NDVI to Improve Concord Crop Estimation Video: https://www.efficientvineyard.com/blog/using-bloom-ndvi-to-improve-concord-crop-estimation
• Summary of the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory and the Efficient Vineyard Project Theme Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arzlh7T9zlk

Today's Guest:

Dr. Terry Bates is the Director of Cornell Lake Erie Research & Extension. His areas of interest include viticulture, digital agriculture, and concord (juice grape) production.

Connect with Terry – EfficientVineyard.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.