BENEFITS of replanting using tall vines

• Due to the fact that the top of the dormant vine is much closer to the fruiting wire a lot less training is required, thereby alleviating a lot of the “back breaking” work involved in training young vines.
• The new growth is a lot higher off the ground meaning it has a much lower risk of frost damage.
• No grow guards are required as the new growth is above the height of the spray zone.
• There will be no bends or twists in the trunk as it will be straight lignified rootstock.
• The vines have potential to fruit early, if well managed.

Tall Vines and standard plants

Clearvue Vineyard Manager in Otago, Duncan Cramp, explains the Tall Vines they have within their Pinot Noir crop have been so productive that the vines will be harvested this year after only two years in the ground.

“We planted the tall vines in November of 2007 and are harvesting this year when traditional replant vines would require 3-4 years in the ground. The Tall Vines are much easier to handle as they are right up at the height of our other vines and don’t require any special attention. I’d recommend anyone who required replants to use Tall Vines.”

Images of Tall Vines

Planting

• Vines should be planted into the ground a minimum of 150mm from the base of the plant.
• If you want to lower the head, simply plant it deeper to your desired head height.
• The graft union should be 150-200mm below the lowest fruiting wire to allow for adequate “head” development.

Suggested Materials needed for tall vines

• 1 Stake per vine OR string if your plants aren’t in exposed areas
• 1 Kiwi clip per vine (if using stakes)
• Tape for fastening the plant to the stake (if using stake)

Training Requirements

• Make sure you train to one or two canes.
• You can either train along the fruiting wire or string it to the top wire
• There should be very little bud rubbing