The following viticulture strategies are recommended by Hogue Ranches and Mercer Estates’ Rick ­Hamman to help growers ripen wine grapes in eastern ­Washington Stat Trellis for quality sunlight and mechanization. Use modified vertical shoot position system with east canopy wires only positioned, or use three-wire fixed vertical shoot position system, with shoot tucking or sprawl. Avoid direct sun exposure on west or south side of vine. Do not position westside canopy wires, allowing sprawl. Prune accurately. Pay attention to spur spacing, position, and renewals. For vertical shoot position trellis, leave 24 to 32 buds per vine for red varieties; in […]