Vineyard management

Question 1

What is important to consider when it comes to site selection?

Answer 1

1. Environmental conditions - temp, rainfall, sunlight hours influence choice of grpe variety and ideal planting density, systems of training and trellising.
2. Business considerations -promitiy to utility infrastructure, availability of vineyward workforce, accessibilty of site for machinery, cost of land all important for cosnidering financial viability.
3. Grape variety - must suit the conditions, some regions have legal restrictions on variety that must be grown.

Question 2

What is the purpose of planting/replanting?

Answer 2

New vineyard, clear existing vegetation fertility of soil checked and fertilisers applied as needed.

Young vines usually pre-grafted frm nursery are planted by hand or machine. Plastic sleeves to protect from animals. Irrigation may be allowed on occasion to help establish young vines. First yield 3 years after planting.

Most vines replace between ages 30-50, 2old vines2 fruit of exceptional quality,, greater concentration of flavours, quantity or yield decreases over time wtih age, increasingly susceptible to disease.

fallow for 3 years or more after the vines are dug up so that it can recover.