Vineyard Underground

• 069: When Are Insects Actually a Problem with Dr. Rufus Isaacs

  Growers need to know which insects they need to treat and which they can ignore. While some insects pose a threat to grapevines, others can actually benefit them. In this episode, we have a discussion with the Distinguished Professor and Berry Crops Entomology Extension Specialist for Michigan State University, Dr. Rufus Isaacs, on this topic. Understanding when and what insects are actually a problem versus those that are hanging out or even providing a benefit is necessary for the health of your vineyard. In this episode, you will hear: The insects that are most destructive during bud burst in the spring The insects that are destructive during bloom Methods and products for prevention and treatment of various pests How to identify thrips The importance of weekly scouting and knowing what to look for 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: Attend Fritz’s upcoming Winning with Shoot Thinning FREE LIVE Virtual Learning event on April 28th at 5:00 PM Central and ask your question live. Register for FREE: www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/winning. Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.  Download the Michigan State Mobile Guide for Grape IPM: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/a-mobile-guide-for-grape-ipm-scouting-in-north-central-and-eastern-u-s Listen to the related episode: Episode 21 - The Rise of the Spotted Lanternfly with Dr. Michela Centinari - https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/vu021/  Today’s Guest: Dr. Rufus Isaacs is a Distinguished Professor and Berry Crops Entomology Extension Specialist for Michigan State University. Connect with Rufus: https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/rufus_isaacs  View his research work: https://www.isaacslab.ent.msu.edu/  Episode Sponsor: Today’s episode was brought to you by SensorInsight and by Vigneron Toy Store. Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today’s episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring.  SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don’t forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution. 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. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, 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.

  --------  

  56:56
• 068: The Evolution of Vineyard Floor Management with Alice Wise

  In this episode, we are joined by Alice Wise from Cornell University to talk about vineyard floor management and how concepts and best practices for vineyard floor management have evolved in recent years. Alice has been following trends and successes for grape growers in Long Island, New York, and across the Mid-Atlantic in general with her extension and research roles, and we know you are going to love what she has to share with us.  Listen in to discover the evolution of vineyard floor management today! In this episode, you will hear: Why growers decided they wanted a change in their management practices. About Alice’s sustainability program on the East Coast. The types of mechanical cultivation that were tried and their problems. What a lysimeter is and how it’s used. How to do your own cover crop research.  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: Attend Fritz’s upcoming Winning with Shoot Thinning FREE LIVE Virtual Learning event on April 28th at 5:00 PM Central and ask your question live. Register for FREE www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/winning. If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, 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: Alice Wise is a Viticulture Researcher with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Connect with Alice at https://ccesuffolk.org/staff/alice-wise Episode Sponsor: Today’s episode was brought to you by Clemens Technologies and by Shellt Grow Tubes. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at [email protected] with any questions. 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 UNDERGROUND 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.

  --------  

  58:20
• 067: Growing for Sparkling Wines in Alternative Regions with Mark Wenzel & Kaibab Sauvage

  In this episode, we explore the world of sparkling wine production in unconventional regions with Mark Wenzel from Illinois Sparkling Wine Company and August Hill Winery, and Kaibab Sauvage from Sauvage Spectrum Winery in Colorado. These winemakers discuss their process of adapting viticulture to thrive in challenging climates, turning high-acid grapes into naturally sparkling wines without relying on conventional carbonation methods.  The episode covers their brands' evolutions, vineyard management techniques, and creative varietal blends. Additionally, Mark and Kaibab share about vineyard management, yield strategies, and future innovations in sparkling wine.  Listen in for inspiration and practical advice for grape growers and winemakers interested in expanding into non-traditional locales. In this episode, you will hear: Sparkling wine production in non-traditional regions like Illinois and Colorado. Adapting viticulture for cold climates. The transition from carbonated to naturally sparkling wines. The varieties that Mark and Kaibab like to use. Vineyard management strategies, including yield management and trellis innovations. Tips for harvesting and managing vineyards specifically for sparkling wine production. 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: Do you have a question for Fritz? Attend Fritz’s upcoming Winning with Shoot Thinning FREE LIVE Virtual Learning event on April 28th at 5:00 PM Central and ask your question live. Register for FREE www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/winning. Or go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button, to submit a question online for Fritz. Today’s Guests: Mark Wenzel is the founder and owner of August Hill Winery and the Illinois Sparkling Company. Connect with Mark at https://augusthillwinery.com/ or https://iscbubbly.com/ or follow him at https://www.instagram.com/augusthillwinery/ or https://www.instagram.com/illinoissparklingco/ Kaibab Sauvage is the owner and manager of Colorado Vineyard Specialists LLC and the co-founder of Sauvage Spectrum Estate Winery & Vineyard. Connect with Kaibab at https://sauvagespectrum.com/ or follow him at https://www.instagram.com/coloradovineyard/ or https://www.instagram.com/sauvagespectrumwines/?hl=en  Episode Sponsor: Today’s episode was brought to you by Shellt Grow Tubes and by Clemens Technologies. 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 UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at [email protected] with any questions. 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.

  --------  

  48:13
• 066: Q&A – Fritz Answers Early Season Grower Questions

  We are back with another one of our favorite types of episodes - a Q&A, where Fritz answers questions from growers like you, from all over the country. In today’s episode, we focus on questions pertaining to early season growing. This includes knowing when to prune and how much and knowing what to do about retraining trunks or working around tricky sections in your vineyard. Listen in now as you get ready for the upcoming growing season. In this episode, you will hear: What to do if bud burst comes early How to predict how much water per acre is needed to spray as the canopy size increases What to do when you have one section that is sensitive to sulfur What to do when retraining trunks Is it okay to cut shoots back to the trunk when there is still a chance of a hard freeze Advantages of using a pruning wound sealant and when to use it 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: Do you have a question for Fritz? We’ve got 3 ways for you to get it answered! Attend Fritz’s upcoming Winning with Shoot Thinning FREE LIVE Virtual Learning event on April 28th at 5:00 PM Central and ask your question live. Register for FREE www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/winning. Attend an upcoming Live Vineyard Advising time with Fritz to ask your question live. Go to www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/guestpass to sign up. Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button, to submit a question online for Fritz. Episode Sponsor: Today’s episode was brought to you by Shellt Grow Tubes and by Bahco Tools. 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. 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 loppers, hedging tools, cutting blades, files, 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.

  --------  

  41:39
• 065: Mechanizing Your Vineyard from the Start with Dr. Matthew Fidelibus & Alan Thibault

  Mechanizing a vineyard can lead to significant efficiency gains and cost savings, but it's important to start planning for mechanization early in the vineyard design process. Many new growers overlook this step, which can impact their adaptability for mechanization in the future.  In this episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Matthew Fidelibus from UC Davis and Alan Thibault from Ashton Creek Vineyard and Vigneron Toy Store on the best mechanization practices from the start. By considering mechanization from the beginning, vineyard owners can make sure their operations are set up for success and remain competitive in the ever-evolving wine industry. In this episode, you will hear: How to start with mechanization from the beginning Why you should start planning for mechanization at site selection Challenges and benefits of mechanizing vineyard training systems and retrofitting existing vineyards Importance of vineyard uniformity for successful mechanization Economic considerations and strategic equipment investments for vineyard operations 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: View the soil trafficability website mentioned in the episode - https://soilmap2-1.lawr.ucdavis.edu/soil-trafficability/  If you’re starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, visit VirtualViticulureAcademy.com/growsmart to get Fritz’s online Prospective Winegrape Grower Course to help you get your vineyard planned and planted correctly from the start. Use the code PODCAST at check out to save $89.00 as a thank you for being a podcast listener. If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.  Today’s Guest: Dr. Matthew Fidelibus is an extension specialist in the Department of Viticulture and Enology, UC Davis. Connect with Matthew and view his research - https://wineserver.ucdavis.edu/people/matthew-fidelibus#/ or follow him at https://bsky.app/profile/viticulture.bsky.social Alan Thibault is the Winemaker & Vineyard Manager at Ashton Creek Vineyard and the co-owner of Vigneron Toy Store. Connect with Alan at https://www.ashtoncreekvineyard.com/ or https://www.vignerontoystore.com/ and follow him at @ https://www.instagram.com/ashtoncreekvineyard/ and @ https://www.instagram.com/vignerontoys/.  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. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, 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. Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today’s episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring.  SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. 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.

  --------  

  57:45

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About Vineyard Underground