smallfarmsustainability's podcast · Iowa State Universtiy Extension and Outreach Small Farm Sustainability

Episode 188: Beginning Fruit Farms: Episode 6- Grape Trellising

March 11, 2023·35 min·3 clips

Suzanne Slack explains why grape trellising is the essential first step to starting your own vineyard.

This episode focuses on establishing a vineyard, specifically covering the foundational topic of grape trellising systems. Host Olivia Hanlon, a Small Farms Extension Specialist, leads a discussion with three experts from Iowa State University. The guests are Suzanne Slack, an assistant professor specializing in perennial fruit crops, Brandon Carpenter, an agricultural specialist, and graduate student Liv Meyer. The conversation begins by explaining that trellising is the essential starting point for any vineyard. Suzanne Slack clarifies that the common European wine grape species is *Vitis vinifera*, which includes varieties like Chardonnay and Merlot. She notes that trellis design varies significantly based on environmental factors and geographic location. The panel contrasts the cold-tender *vinifera* grapes with more cold-hardy hybrid and native American species, such as *Vitis labrusca*. A key consideration for trellis selection is the specific growth habit, or "vine architecture,” of the chosen grape cultivar. The experts detail different trellis types, including Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) and High Wire Cordon systems. They explain that each system manages canopy density and fruit exposure to sunlight differently. The discussion covers practical installation steps, like setting sturdy end posts and choosing durable wire. Pruning techniques are directly tied to the chosen trellis structure for proper vine training. An interesting insight is that trellising is not one-size-fits-all but a critical early decision influencing decades of vineyard management. The experts emphasize that a well-designed trellis supports vine health, facilitates harvest, and directly impacts fruit quality. Cold hardiness is a major factor in the Midwest, making some trellis systems more suitable for protecting hybrid vines. The panel advises growers to match their trellis to their primary goal, whether for wine production or a u-pick operation. A memorable point is that installing a robust trellis upfront, using materials like treated wood and high-tensile wire, prevents costly future repairs. They also discuss how canopy management via trellising can help reduce disease pressure in humid climates. The tone is educational and conversational, with the host guiding a practical, question-and-answer style discussion. The style is technical yet accessible, aimed at providing actionable advice for new growers. This episode is ideal for beginning farmers, homesteaders, or anyone in a cold climate considering starting a small-scale vineyard. Listeners seeking broad, philosophical farming discussions or advanced viticulture techniques might find the content too basic and narrowly focused.

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