March is a vital month for vineyard owners, vineyard caretakers, and winery owners in San Diego country. Your vines have rested over the winter months after producing their harvest last year, and now it’s time for a new life cycle to begin! Here is some guidance from our resident vineyard specialist, Kevin Grangetto, as your vines awaken at the turn of the season.

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“TEARS OF JOY”

SIGNS THAT YOUR VINES ARE COMING TO LIFE

Your vineyard is slowly starting its awakening process. This generally takes place in March because the temperatures are starting to rise, while still remaining cool at night. This crucial time allows your vines to gently ease out of their dormant phase.

• Pruning should be done already and all the cut ends sealed with Vitiseal. A dormant fungicide spray should have been applied as well.
• As vines start to come back to life, a clear liquid known as “tears of joy” starts dripping from the pruned cuts. This shows you that the new harvest year is beginning! As the growing season commences, the work has really just begun as you keep your vineyard healthy and thriving.

Watch for these signs this month, and you’ll know when your vineyard’s fresh life cycle is starting.

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SUPPORTS & TRELLISES

SETTING UP YOUR VINES FOR A FRUITFUL YEAR

Just after the pruning, sealing, and fungicide spray is complete, the first step of the growth cycle begins. We start the tying up of the vine shoots, which are fastened to the trellis wire. This will support the vine, so that the branches do not suffer bottlenecking.

If you did not already in winter, now is a great time to look over the entire trellis structure of the vineyard to make sure that no replacements are needed in the wires, end post, center stakes, gripples, and anything else you may have for your trellis vineyard systems. Every piece that seems weak or damaged should be replaced with new ones, so that the vines will be supported and will grow strong without the risk of structural trellis failures.

Whether you are a seasoned vine grower or just starting out, we have the products and expert advice that will help your vines to thrive. The professionals at your local Grangetto’s are always happy to assist you with all of your vineyard needs!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Netting for Vines and Fruit Trees