Vine Training and Canopy Management Methods for Premium Wines
Vine training and canopy management are critical aspects of grape growing. The “canopy” is simply the parts of a grapevine that are aboveground - the leaves, shoots, fruit, etc. In Northern Michigan the cool, relatively wet growing conditions can lead to rot on the leaves and fruit and make it difficult for grapes to fully ripen. Exposing the young grape clusters to as much sunlight as possible and opening the canopy to maximize airflow ensures the best fruit quality at harvest, and ultimately, the most delicious wines.
At Harmony Estate Wineries of Leelanau, we utilize different vine training methods to suit each grape variety. We use the Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) method for varieties like Pinot Grigio and Riesling. The green shoots are trained to grow straight upward into a narrow, flat wall of foliage, supported by wires. VSP is the most commonly seen vine training method in this region, but there are many others for getting the most out of your vines.
Photo provided by Vineyard Manager, Thomas Moreno
Geneva Double Curtain (GDC) is a split grapevine training system, where two parallel wires split the vine trunk into two cordons (arms). This allows the shoots to hang downward like two curtains, maximizing sunlight to the fruit. We use this technique for our Cayuga White, Seyval, and Vignoles vines.
Photo provided by Vineyard Manager, Thomas Moreno
The Scott Henry system splits shoots to open the canopy; half are trained upward and half downward from two mid-height wires, doubling the canopy surface. We use this technique for Pinot Noir, Auxerios, Chardonnay, and Gewutztraminer. It is named after its inventor, Calvin Scott Henry, a wine maker and aeronautical engineer from Oregon. He developed the method to control vigorous vine growth and reduce diseases like powdery mildew caused by dense, shaded canopies.
Photo provided by Vineyard Manager, Thomas Moreno
In the Lyre system, the vine is split at the trunk into two separate walls of foliage, creating a U shape with an open space in the middle. This mimics the shape of a lyre, an ancient string instrument. We find this system, which was pioneered in Bordeaux, France, works best for our red varieties like Cabernet Franc.
Next time you drive past the vineyards of Leelanau county, see which vine training methods you can spot!