The vineyard

This chapter examines site selection for a commercial vineyard, planting density, vine training systems, pruning methods and how the canopy of shoots and leaves may be managed. It considers the annual cycle of vineyard work details the stages of development of the grape berry. Many great vineyards are close to rivers, and these have an influence upon the vineyard climate. The vine training system used may be based upon a number of factors, including historical, legal, climatic and practical. Bush-trained vines are either free-standing or supported by one or more stakes. Canopy management begins with the winter pruning but continues through the growing season and may include shoot thinning, removing lateral shoots, shoot positioning, summer pruning and leaf removal. Winter pruning is one of the most labour-intensive activities in the vineyard, and the skill of the pruner will impact upon the progress of the vines throughout the growing seasons.