Crews should be instructed to clean out spur congestion, as shown by the pocket knife, during pruning. With few perfect vineyards in the world, growers must learn how to manage what they have to achieve grape maturity. By zeroing in on canopy, irrigation, and crop management strategies, underperforming or problematic vineyards often can be turned around, resulting in grapes that ripen in a timely manner and meet the winemaker’s expectations. Rick Hamman, viticulturist for Hogue Ranches and Mercer Estates, has been involved in the wine grape industry for more than two decades, working as the liaison between wine companies and […]