[hawkspointvineyards]

If a vine, after two years of growth, has a cordon that has 5, 6, or even 7 vegetative points (facing upward) and the length of the cordon also fits within its appropriate space — why would you want to trim the cordon down to only 3 or 4 vegetative points and then form an extension.

In other words, what is the purpose of the cordon’s extension (or extensions). Why is it necessary to keep forming extensions?

[clint.taylor91]

Hey mate, here’s my perspective from NSW, Australia.

The amount of vegetative points you choice would come down to production needs, the plant spacing and the vigour of the variety. You also need to consider keeping the vine balanced.

In the vineyard where I work, we have bilateral cordons with 6 vegetative points either side. This fits well with the plant density and spacing. There are some where the spaces are off but to keep the vine in balance we still try to maintain 6 points each side.

<font face=”inherit”>In terms of production, it would make sense to occupy as much wire as possible whilst maintaining balance. However, because there is space, </font>I<font face=”inherit”> </font>don’t<font face=”inherit”> believe you keep adding on more vegetative points, further diluting the energy reserves. We tend to make sure each side has equal points where possible. I </font>feel<font face=”inherit”> </font>it’s<font face=”inherit”> easier to start with a smaller amount of points and if the vine can cope well perhaps increase. I feel its better to maintain the </font>minimum amount of points whilst keeping the vine in balance. If the need arises to lay down an extension then happy days.

I think it’s a delicate balance between quality, quantity and the dispersion of energy resources from the vine. This would be dynamic to you and your vineyard. I think its really a hands on, by feel approach.

This also comes in handy when trying to estimate yield. We aim for 6 points each side, 2 spurs each point. So thats 24 shoots x 1 bunch of grapes. Rough example. Once we know the living plant count it really helps to get a better idea of the estimated yield.

We had a lot of old vines that previous owners just kept extending the cordons and once we re worked these vines bringing them back into balance the result was beautiful. The quality of fruit was unreal, much more consistency with the fruit sizing and weight and overall a healthy and balanced vine.

Consider your production needs whilst keeping in mind the balance and the energy reserves that will be divided along your vine. I feel like its a much better position to be in a high vigour situation that is productive with the ability to add points than to have a low vigour situation where yield was compromised and the points will need to be reduced.

Cheers mate, all the best

[hawkspointvineyards]

Thanks, Clint! Your reply was very helpful. I feel as if I’m finally beginning to understand the concept of an extension. Balancing vigor and shape — quality and quantity are important.

I truly appreciate you taking the time to comment.

Kathleen

Hawk’s Point Vineyards (San Diego Backcountry)