Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
There are some slight variations on the VSP trellis system, but all have the same
components: four rows of wires strung between end posts and supported by mid-
posts. Some vineyards use metal end posts.
You will plant your grapevines in the ground directly below the wires, each vine sup-
ported by a grape stake. As the vine grows, you will tie it to this stake, and it will develop
into the main trunk. When the vine reaches the fruiting wire, you will train it in a horizontal
direction on either side of the trunk by securing it to the wire to form two cordons, or arms.
As the cordon's shoots develop, you direct them vertically up between the shoot pos-
itioning wires (once the shoots start to grow, they are called canes). You will maintain the
canopy of foliage between the positioning wires. As the plant matures and forms grapes
(third or fourth year and beyond), the grapes form near the base of the canes in the fruiting
zone above and below the fruiting wire. Each season you will adjust the height of the po-
sitioning wires to suit the growing canopy. Wire tightening may also be part of the yearly
maintenance program, as is checking on all the elements of the trellis to ensure it is in good
shape.
There are many places you can get the components for your trellis system, from build-
ing supply stores in areas where commercial vineyards exist, from farm supply stores, or
from specialty mail-order suppliers.