A mechanical fruit thinner has scuffed some of these berries, which will later desiccate and fall off. Efficient over-the-row tractors and labor-saving equipment to replace hand labor in the vineyard are finding a place in Washington State’s premium wine production. New technology was one of the topics showcased during the annual summer field day sponsored in August by the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers. The grape tour visited several vineyards in Horse Heaven Hills that are using innovative equipment to produce high-quality wine while reducing labor costs. Horse Heaven Hills, a series of mostly south-facing sloping benches along the […]