Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
A refractometer is a small hand-held device that can measure just a few drops of juice from
the grapes, which means it can be used out in the vineyard and is more convenient for the
small grower.
The refractometer is one of your most valuable tools. Use it to evaluate the sugar
level of your grapes and decide when to harvest.
HARVESTING YOUR GRAPES
If you are going to sell your grapes or supply them to a winemaker, you may want to
negotiate the cost of labor for picking the grapes as part of the deal. If you are like most
small growers, though, you will want to make your own wine and perhaps have a harvest-
ing party. This is the time that all your friends are waiting for. They want to see what you
have done and what your vines have produced. Naturally you'll want to have some wine
(from the year before), cheese, and some baguettes for your helpers.
Before harvesting, you may want to trim back shoots to facilitate harvest. But don't
cut back too much; excessive pruning can delay ripening. Remember it is not sun on the
grapes that ripens the fruit, but sun on the leaves.
HARVESTING EQUIPMENT
 
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