Rusty Figgins wraps the oblique side graft with tape. Right: The new graft after splicing, taping, and painting. The practice of grafting to a different grape cultivar in Washington State, once considered very risky, is slowly taking hold in wine grape vineyards, though it’s not done without careful consideration of location and vine health. In early April, a small group of Pacific Northwest viticulturists learned the techniques of side grafting in a Mattawa, Washington, vineyard from viticultural consultant Berle “Rusty” Figgins, Jr., and tree fruit grafter Gary McMonagle. In the past, other grafting workshops have also been sponsored by Washington […]