Bunch Grapes

  • The UGA Extension Viticulture Team will be hosting a post-harvest grower roundtable discussion. The goal for this meeting is to discuss the often-difficult 2017 season, and ask questions and share ideas for moving forward so that challenges may be overcome in 2018 and in the future.  This is a good time to discuss any and…

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  • It has been a successful first research season in the vineyards of North Georgia. The UGA Extension Viticulture Team finished harvesting their last research plots of the season two weeks ago.  As we reflect on this past season, we can now see that it was a race from the start.  Dr. Cain Hickey joined UGA…

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  • Dear all: As coordinator of the UGA Winegrowers of Georgia Internship program, I would encourage all vineyards and wineries that are interested in hosting a summer intern to start thinking about drafting up an advertisement flyer so that these can be shared with interested interns. I would prefer that the interested host vineyards and wineries…

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  • I have been asked about the need to apply fertilizer after harvest. Studies have shown that root mass increases considerably after harvest, and continues on this trend for about five to six weeks before levelling off at leaf fall.  During the post-harvest / pre-leaf drop period, roots can take up nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, and…

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  • UPDATE: Just before Hurricane Irma hit our state, the winegrape growers in the West Georgia area had thankfully already completed their harvest.  Vineyards in the Carroll and Haralson County areas are growing PD-tolerant hybrid winegrapes Norton, Blanc Du Bois, Villard Blanc, and Lenoir.  Blanc Du Bois was harvested back in mid-August in most vineyards, while…

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  • Pierce’s disease (PD) is showing up in numerous vineyards on quite a few grape varieties — V. vinifera and hybrids. Vines should be scouted in each vineyard for the three characteristic symptoms of PD: leaf scorch showing marginal chlorosis and necrosis, leafless petioles “match-sticks”, and “green islands” on the canes. In advanced cases, the grapes…

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  • Dear all: I wanted to share a well-written note regarding Norton winemaking. a note on Norton astringency An industry member wrote it up, and I take absolutely zero credit for it. Thanks to this member for their kindness in sharing their thoughts with the true aim of helping out all who work with Norton in…

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  • Dear all: First and most importantly: I know many of our blog subscribers were in Irma territory. I sincerely hope everyone that was in the path of Hurricane Irma is safe out there. Harvest update: I have seen and heard about some good things out there despite this tough, wet year. I have also seen…

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  • Last week, UGA Extension Viticulture hosted its largest program yet:  The New Grape Growers Conference.  Over 75 industry members, new growers and specialists gathered at Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, GA, to take part in a crash course of how to start, manage and succeed with your vineyard and winery.  Attendees were primarily from…

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  • The UGA Extension Viticulture Team harvested our first research plot on Tuesday, August 22. The plots were a part of a leaf removal trial in Chardonnay which evaluated leaf pulling at to different magnitudes and at two different stages – both pre-bloom and post-fruit set.  On each vine, clusters were picked, counted, and weighed (140…

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