Vineyard Underground

The first few months as a new grower can be the most nerve-wracking time of vineyard management. Everything is brand new and a little intimidating. Even a bug on a plant can be enough to raise an alarm because you simply don’t know if it’s going to ravage your vineyard or not. Viticulture consultant, Mark Chien joins me today to talk about surviving and thriving in the first few months after vine planting. In this episode, you will hear: The important considerations during the first three months after planting a new vineyard How important robust root establishment is for the future growth of the vines What the best practices are for vine training and trellising in new vineyards How soil, water availability, and nutrient levels impact early vineyard growth What strategies growers should employ to balance vine vigor The effective defense strategies against pests, like invasive weeds and deer How new growers can protect young vines from environmental threats and ensure healthy development Episode Resources: Visit VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/YoungVineyard to register for the FREE Essentials of Young Vineyard Management sip and learn event on May 20th or to learn more about the NEW Young Vineyard Management Course. Use the code UNDERGROUND50 at checkout to get $50 off the regular course price through the end of June 2024. If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Today’s Guest: Mark Chien is currently a private viticulture consultant in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland following his extensive career in the wine industry with highlights including working as the vineyard manager for the world-class Temperance Hill vineyard, becoming the first wine grape extension educator for Penn State, and serving as the program coordinator for Oregon Wine Research Institute. Connect with - marklchien@outlook.com Episode Sponsor: 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 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.

In this episode, our guest Randy Heinzen, a vine management and vineyard business expert, discusses vine planting and site preparation for new vineyards or for existing growers looking to add new vineyard blocks. Randy, the owner and president of Vineyard Professional Services (VPS) in Paso Robles, CA, is a leading global expert in vineyard management. Listen in for an educational episode full of vine planting and site preparation tips from a vineyard management expert. In this episode, you will hear: The significance of soil sampling, understanding site history, and planning ahead for soil evaluation. Understanding vine arrival logistics, differences between dormant and potted vines, and the importance of working irrigation before planting. Pros and cons of hand planting versus mechanical planting. The planting process, preparation for tall vines, and effects of climate changes on vine trellising strategies. Vine spacing, site-specific considerations for vineyard setup, and the importance of efficient planning. Resources: Visit VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/YoungVineyard to register for the FREE Essentials of Young Vineyard Management sip and learn event on May 20th or to learn more about the NEW Young Vineyard Management Course and to get a discount code for $100.00 off the course! Get the member-only Instructions for Successful Soil Sampling Grower Guide to learn why, when, and how to correctly soil sample. FREE Planting Grower Guides: Preparing for New Plantings Hand Planting Dormant Grapevines Trimming Back Newly Planted Own-Rooted Grape Vines Watch the Bingham Family Vineyards planting reel that Fritz mentions during 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. Today’s Guest: Randy Heinzen is a leading 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 – Vineyard Professional Services.com Episode Sponsor: 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 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.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of having a Q&A session with Jim Duane from Inside Winemaking. Jim has always been interested in winemaking and has been working in Napa Valley for over 20 years. Together, we are answering top questions submitted by listeners. We answer questions pertaining to replacing dead vines, digging in hardpan, natural pesticide use, and many, many more. Listen in as we answer these questions, and if you have questions of your own, get in touch! We’d love to answer them on the next Q&A episode. In this episode, you will hear: If old vines produce fewer grapes. If you have to break through hardpan and how far down you need to go. Our thoughts on organic, biodynamic, and regenerative agriculture. How much space vines really need. What the best source of vine material is. The significance of deep roots. What natural pesticides can replace synthetic, chemical pesticides. 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: Want Fritz to answer your grape growing questions live? Get a FREE Guest Pass for an upcoming Live Vineyard Advising session and get advice and answers for your specific vineyard questions from Fritz! If you are a new or prospective vineyard owner, check out Fritz’s Prospective Winegrape Grower Course. If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Learn more about Biological Products with Vineyard Underground Episode 40: Understanding Biological Products with Dr. Pam Marrone. Today’s Guest: Jim Duane is the head winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in Napa Valley and the host of the Inside Winemaking podcast. Connect with Jim, learn about upcoming winemaking courses and classes, and listen to the podcast at InsideWinemaking.com. 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. And as grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. 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.

Is your vineyard irrigated? If so, then this episode is for you! Dr. Franklin Gaudi, executive vice president of design for Laurel Ag & Water, is on the show to discuss the often-overlooked topic of irrigation distribution uniformity (DU). Distribution uniformity measures how evenly water gets applied to the field, and it’s a topic that’s not taken as seriously as it should be. DU can make or break your vineyard when some vines get too much water, and others get none at all. In this episode, we discuss why DU is important and provide information so you can start with an irrigation system right for your vineyard. Listen in now! In this episode, you will hear: Why irrigation distribution matters and why growers need to be on top of it. Identifying common issues affecting distribution uniformity, such as pressure variations and clogged emitters, and their impact on vine health. How to conduct distribution uniformity tests and maintain irrigation system efficiency. The balance between emitters and system pressure. The role of pressure regulation and investing in quality equipment for long-term vineyard success. Actionable solutions and resources for grape growers to optimize water distribution and enhance crop productivity. Resources: Access free Irrigation Evaluation resources from Cal Poly, including spreadsheets for six types of irrigation systems. Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! 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, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Today’s Guest: Dr. Franklin Gaudi is the executive vice president of design for Laurel Ag & Water in California with a focus on redefining the industry standard for irrigation design. Prior to his current role, Franklin was an assistant professor and project manager for the Irrigation Training and Research Center at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Connect with Dr. Franklin Gaudi: Website: https://laurel-ag.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurelagandwater Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurelagandwater Linked-In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/laurel-ag Episode Sponsor: 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 UNDERGROUND15 to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States. 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 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 future of viticulture is evolving as the focus on sustainable agriculture improves and the search for environmentally friendly solutions becomes a priority. One of the most exciting areas in this sustainable revolution is the use of agricultural biologicals. Biologics are not new to the agricultural scene, but their potential is now being more fully realized in both conventional and organic viticulture. In this episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Pam Marrone, a trailblazer in the realm of agricultural biologicals. Pam has a long list of credentials and accolades in biological products, making her an esteemed expert in the field. Listen in to discover the value of integrating these natural solutions into your pest management strategy and why understanding biological products' function and proper use can positively impact plant health and crop yield. Join us to learn the economic and ecological benefits of biologicals, pest control management strategies, and much more. In this episode, you will hear: 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 other grape growing questions, 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. Check out episode 38 with Dr. Akif Eskalen for more information on biologicals for pruning wounds. Today’s Guest: Dr. Pam Marrone is an award-winning and well-recognized leader in the agricultural biologicals industry. Over her career, she has founded and run several successful biological focused companies that have developed and brought numerous products to market. She now serves as the co-founder and Executive Chair of the Invasive Species Corporation and the associated not-for-profit Invasive Species Research Institute, formed to deploy biologicals for control of invasive species in water, forestry, and agriculture. Connect with Pam: Invasive Species Corporation Website: https://invasivespeciescorporation.com/ Email: pam@invasivespeciescorporation.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/InvasiveSppFdn Episode Sponsor: 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 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.

A common conversation in vineyard management is knowing how to spray your vineyard effectively. On today's episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Andrew Landers, who wrote the book on vineyard spraying. He brings more than 30 years of research and development on vineyard and orchard spraying technologies and techniques to share with us. In this episode, we discuss various tools and techniques to get the most out of your equipment and your product. This ranges from backpack sprayers when first starting to the best types of nozzles and how to calibrate your equipment for the most effective-sized droplets. Blasting clouds of spray into the air is a waste of product and something we’d like to leave in our past. Dr. Landers focuses on effectively getting the droplets from the nozzle to the plant and ensuring long-lasting equipment and a well-sprayed vineyard. Listen in to learn all about effectively spraying your vineyard and helping your grapes thrive. In this episode, you will hear: What factors affect an effective spray, and why air blasting is a thing of the past. Strategies for optimizing sprayer airflow and coverage. The product concentration in the tank versus the actual product rate per acre. How to know that the product is hitting the target. Difference between a canopy and herbicide nozzle. Common mistakes in vineyard spraying Sprayer technologies that Dr. Landers thinks have the most potential. 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 effectivespraying.com to purchase Dr. Andrew Landers’ book Effective Vineyard Spraying or his other books - Effective Orchard Spraying and the Farm Machinery Book. If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, 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: Dr. Andrew Landers is an award-winning researcher and author and currently works as a consultant in precision spray technology. Previously, he directed the application technology program for Cornell University’s New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York, where he focused on using engineering solutions to provide more effective and safer spraying. Connect with Andrew: Website: https://effectivespraying.com/ Email: effectivespraying@gmail.com Episode Sponsor: Thank you to our friends at Bahco for their sponsorship of 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 hedging tools, tying tools, picking tools, 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.

Do you understand pruning wounds, infections of pruning wounds, and how to protect your vines? Grapevine pruning is an essential vineyard management practice that helps maintain plant health and fruit quality. However, this practice also exposes vines to various fungal diseases that can be detrimental to vineyard health. It’s important to know how to prevent harm and promote recovery if your vines become infected. In this episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Akif Eskalen from the UC Davis Department of Plant Pathology on pruning wound protection and the new products available for protecting pruning wounds. Dr. Akif specializes in the identification, biology, epidemiology, and control of fungal pathogens on vines, small fruits, berries, and palm fruits in California. He is also an expert in conventional and biological products that can help your vineyard thrive. Listen in for a multitude of tips to protect your vineyard from infections. In this episode, you will hear: 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: The biologicals mentioned by name in today’s episode are Bio-Tam, Vintec, & Botector. If you want to learn more about protecting your pruning wounds, you can check out the FREE grower guide Preventing Grapevine Trunk Diseases available at VirtualViticultureAcademy.com. If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, 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: Dr. Akif Eskalen is a plant pathologist with UC Davis specializing in the identification, biology, epidemiology, and control of fungal pathogens on vines, small fruits and berries, and pome fruits in California. Connect with Akif: https://ucanr.edu/sites/eskalenlab/https://ucanr.edu/sites/eskalenlab/Fruit_Crop_Fungicide_Trials/aeskalen@ucdavis.edu 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 today's episode, we are talking about unique or alternative pruning scenarios and methods with guests John Thull and Marco Tessari. We discuss viticulture for cold climates, unique pruning techniques from around the globe, and more. John has a degree in biology with a plant focus and spent time in Germany doing an apprenticeship. He now lives in Minnesota, where the temperatures can get well below freezing, and specializes in grape breeding and enology, with a focus on cold-climate grapes and wine. Marco is from Italy and is back on the episode for the second time to discuss two unusual pruning techniques: the Sylvoz and Cazenave methods. Listen in as we talk about these non-traditional vineyard pruning techniques. In this episode, you will hear: How John pioneered cold-hardy grapes at the University of Minnesota that can withstand extreme winter temperatures. What techniques, such as 'insurance buds' and 'spare parts pruning' are. The unique pruning methods for maintaining vine health and grape quality in cold climates. Global variations in vine pruning practices from Marco. Vineyard management challenges in cold climates. Descriptions of the Sylvoz and Cazenave pruning techniques. 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 live virtual learning event, Vine Pruning Strategies That Most Growers are Missing, happening on Monday, February 5th at 6 PM CST. Get Fritz’s Young Vine Training & Vineyard Innovations video course covering bonus canes and spurs and some other unique pruning scenarios. This member-only content is available to podcast listeners through March 31st. The pruning methods that Marco describes are the Sylvoz and Cazenave techniques. Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! 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, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Today’s Guest: John Thull is a researcher at the University of Minnesota. John specializes in Grape Breeding and Enology with a focus on cold climate grapes and wine. Connect with John - Website | Email | Instagram Marco Tessari is an international pruning expert based out of Montebelluna, Italy. Marco works with vineyards all over the world in person and virtually and is revolutionizing the art and science of vineyard pruning. Connect with Marco – Email Episode Sponsor: Thank you to our friends at Bahco for their sponsorship of 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 https://www.bahco.com/int_en/ to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with hedging tools, tying tools, picking tools, 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.

Happy New Year! In this episode, we welcome Joe Juniper of Vermillion Valley Vineyards, the second-largest vineyard in Ohio. In close proximity to Lake Erie, Joe is with us to discuss what it is like to grow vinifera in an area with very harsh winters. Joe has become an expert in managing extreme temperatures and precipitation variances, including mastering innovative cold pruning practices. Growers in northern climates typically grow cold-specific, hardy hybrids, but through some unique practices, Joe has mastered growing vinifera in a harsh winter climate. He may have some nice days to ripen vinifera during the season, but you won’t find how to survive the winters in vine training textbooks. Listen in as Joe shares some of his cold-weather pruning and vine training practices with us. In this episode, you will hear: Joe’s concept for vine pruning and how it differs in his location. The “bonus cane pruning system” and “spare parts viticulture.” Strategies for vineyard design to prevent disease and promote vine health. The importance of bud count and spur positioning for ideal fruit yields. The differences between spur pruning and cane pruning. Pre-pruning practices to protect vines from winter damage. 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 live virtual learning event, Vine Pruning Strategies That Most Growers are Missing, happening on Monday, February 5th at 6 PM CST. Get Fritz’s Young Vine Training & Vineyard Innovations video course covering bonus canes and spurs and some other unique pruning scenarios. This member-only content is available to podcast listeners through March 31st. If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, 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: Joe Juniper is the co-owner and winemaker at Vermillion Valley Vineyards in Vermillion, Ohio. Connect with Joe - 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.

We are closing out the year with a grower Q&A episode! In this episode, Fritz is answering questions from growers all across the country on topics ranging from pre-pruning to disease prevention for 2024 and all things in between. Listen in, as you may have had some of these same questions in your vineyard, and stay tuned for more grower Q&A episodes in the future! In this episode, you will hear: How much pre-pruning can I do before the final pruning, and how early can I get started with that pre-pruning? When/how do you recommend applying pre-bud burst sprays of products like sulfuric acid or lime sulfur to knock down disease inoculum? What are your suggestions for fungicides besides Topsin M for vine cuts and wounds? Is it better to do a diagonal cut through your canes or a blunt square cut? What causes flat or bullwood to form in my grapes? Fritz’s recommended vine disease handbook. What can I do to prevent Pierce's disease in my Vitis vinifera vines? 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 other grape growing questions, 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. 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.

Have you considered having your grape growing operation sustainably certified? In this episode, I have a conversation with Beth Vukmanic from the Vineyard Team on the impact and importance of sustainability certification programs for vineyards. Beth spent 12 years overseeing the Vineyard Team's Sustainability in Practice (SIP) certification program and now serves as the executive director of the Vineyard Team. As it turns out, there are many benefits to having a SIP certification. These benefits range from having a positive environmental impact, access to different storefronts, better marketability, and increased financial benefits. The sustainability program has certified 47,000 vineyard acres, primarily in California but also in Oregon and Michigan as well as five wineries. Over 60 million bottles of wine have been produced in compliance with sustainability standards. Listen in to learn how SIP started, where it has evolved to today, and how it is impacting vineyards on the West Coast and beyond. In this episode, you will hear: Background of the Vineyard Team and how it has evolved. What sustainability in agriculture is. What the SIP certification is and why it’s important. The importance of accountability and consistency in vineyard management. Where the SIP certification has evolved to today. The impact of a sustainability program on a winery. 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. SIP Certification Resources: https://www.sipcertified.org/info-hub/marketing-tips/details/business-niner-wine-estates/ SIP Certified Database – get certified or take the free self-assessment: https://app.sipcertified.org/ SIP Certified Newsletter: https://www.sipcertified.org/mailing-list/ Sustainable Ag Expo: https://www.sustainableagexpo.org/ Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast: https://www.vineyardteam.org/podcast/?id=1059 If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, 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: Beth Vukmanic is an expert in vineyard sustainability and serves as the Executive Director for the Vineyard Team in California. Connect with Beth: Website: https://www.vineyardteam.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thevineyardteam Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevineyardteam/ Podcast: https://www.vineyardteam.org/podcast/ 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.

We are back today for part two of our series “Six Essential Factors for Starting and Growing a Successful Vineyard.” Refer back to episode 32 for part one of the series if you haven’t listened to it yet. Just make sure you listen to both episodes to hear all six factors new growers need to understand and consider before planting a vineyard. In this episode, two of our favorite growers and friends, Rob Warren and Katy Jane Seaton, are joining the show to give their perspectives and advice on the topics of vineyard management and labor, vineyard economics, and grape variety selection and marketing. Even if you're an experienced grower, you'll enjoy hearing from Rob and Katy Jane as they share their experiences. Let’s get into part two of this series! In this episode, you will hear: How long it took Rob to have positive cash flow and how long it took to make a profit What Rob would tell someone who was thinking of starting a vineyard about cost and cash flow Common misconceptions of managing a vineyard What size vineyard Rob started with and where he is now How Rob built his crew and trained them What Katy Jane’s plan in grape growing was and how it has evolved How Katy Jane’s variety selection strategy changed and how this related to the marketability for selling fruit and wine making Katy Jane’s top advice for new growers when choosing what varieties to plant 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: Check out Fritz’s new Prospective Winegrape Grower Course (https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/growsmart) at VirtualViticulureAcademy.com. With over 5 hours of guided video content, this course shows you through examples, illustrations, and more what you need to know to make good decisions from the start for growing a successful vineyard. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to get the course for only $200.00 through the end of 2023. If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Today’s Guest: Rob Warren is the owner of Desert Willow Vineyard in Seminole, TX. Connect with Rob: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desertwillowvineyard Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desertwillowvineyard/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrjWaulJw7tATQC3trzhPJQ Katy Jane Seaton is one of the owners of Farmhouse Vineyards based in Brownfield, TX and now with their Farmhouse Vineyards Marketplace in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. Connect with Katy Jane: Website: https://www.farmhousevineyard.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FarmhouseVineyards/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmhousevineyards_tx/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC38criman5XKfX5ckSzPCPQ 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.

Today, we're starting a two-part series on the six essential things you must understand and evaluate to start and grow a successful vineyard. Starting and running a vineyard is expensive – $20,000 to $25,000 per acre – not including fencing, equipment, and irrigation. It’s important you do your research and learn all that you can about the site you picked out before you plant a single vine. In this episode, two experienced guests, Dan Limoges and David Higginbotham, provide their first-hand perspectives of the challenges they faced. Dan discusses the challenge of finding an ideal site for his vineyard in Georgia and the prep required to begin growing. David shares the lessons he has learned about being prepared for both expected and unexpected vineyard risks. These are must-listen episodes if you're starting a vineyard or considering starting a vineyard anytime in the future. Tune in today! In this episode, you will hear: Four features that influence a vineyard site. How Dan chose to start his vineyard at his current location in Georgia. Mitigation tactics Dan had to take and the challenges he overcame to be successful. How Dan combatted erosion to keep his precious soil in his new vineyard. Dan’s piece of advice about site selection to prospective growers. The top, most economically impactful risk factors that have affected David’s vineyard. The risks David was most prepared for and what caught him off guard. David’s advice to prospective growers on risk preparedness. 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: Get Fritz’s FREE Grapevine Anatomy & Growth Grower Guide: https://mailchi.mp/virtualviticultureacademy.com/grapevine_anatomy for detailed information and illustrations on the structure and growth of grapevines during dormancy and the growing season. Check out Fritz’s new Prospective Winegrape Grower Course: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/growsmart. With over 5 hours of guided video content, this course shows you through examples, illustrations, and more what you need to know to make good decisions from the start for growing a successful vineyard. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to get the course for only $200.00 through the end of 2023. If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Today’s Guests: Daniel Limoges is the owner of Limoges Cellers in Cleveland, GA. Connect with Dan: Website: https://limogescellars.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/limogescellars Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limogescellars David Higginbotham is the owner of Fainting Goat Vineyards in Jasper, GA. Connect with David: Website: https://www.faintinggoatvineyardsandwinery.com/us.html Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FaintingGoatVineyards Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faintinggoatvineyards/ 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...

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: 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 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: 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: team@hydrogeoenvironmental.com 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: 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 https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/blogs.cornell.edu/dist/0/7265/files/2016/11/ImproveYAN-2hf4qzz.pdfFertilize or Supplement: The Impact of Nitrogen on Vine Productivity and Wine Sensory Properties in Chardonnayhttps://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: 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: Ask FritzVineyardUndergroundPodcast.com.Virtual Viticulture Academy Grower GuideVirtual Viticulture Academy membershipUnderground 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: megan@terroirconsultinggroup.com 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: GrapeIPM.org 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: nita24@vt.edu https://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/alson-h-smith/people/nita-bio.html 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...

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: 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. https://www.dgwinemaking.com/winemakers/category/blog-posts/ https://www.dgwinemaking.com/winemakers/learn-winemaking/ https://www.dgwinemaking.com/winelovers/taste-wines-with-a-pro/ Winemaking Harvest Must-Haves Product List 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: info@dgwinemaking.com https://www.instagram.com/dgwinemaking/ 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.