April in the Vineyard

April in the vineyard. Final Planting. Trellis work.

Trellis work: Vineyard expansion brings with it the need to install trellis wires, anchor wires. Over 10,000 ft of wire was strung by hand in April to create the trellis system for the new rows: 45-52. Plus additional wires were added to rows 36-44 in preparation for the canopy developing during the season. Daily, Bill could be found pounding hooks, stringing wire, building anchor supports.

Planting: is done one hole at a time by Bill and his one-man auger. All 1,263 holes are drilled. Then each is given a shovel of humus -- which is organic compost. The grafted plants are then planted by hand. Next comes the grow tube -- the green sleeves you see in the photo background. The grow tube is held in place via a bamboo stake tied to the trellis wire.