Vineyard Newbie

[gibsonguy]

Greetings~

I am a total newbie to taking care of a vineyard......the property on which I live in Monterey County California, has a tiny, 96 plant 6 year old, Pinot Noir "garden" that has been left unattended for 2 years at least. I need help!!! The owner has asked me to use my green thumb to help him bring it back. Little rain and no watering for two years, so I gave them a good drink by hand watering yesterday. Will install a drip system next week. I need to do a lot of pruning and I'm needing guidance.......someone please. Also I want to know just how much water Pinot Noir needs this time of year.

I'll totally appreciate any and all response(s).

Wayne

 

[grapeman]

What shape is the trellis in? Probably the vines are on a VSP unless they are just head pruned. How about a few pictures so we can see shat you have to begin with.

 

[gibsonguy]

Thank you for the reply Grapeman.......I will get photos for you today.

The trellis is in O.K. shape, it is metal vertical stakes, 18 feet apart, 3 vines in between each two. 2 horizontal wires......the first about 18" off the ground and the second at about the 3'-0" level.....stretch between main end posts and attach to the vertical stakes. it seems I have everything from no plant at all to an overgrown mess of a plant that hasn't been pruned for over two years. I don't know what a VSP is, so I can't answer you on that. (Sorry, I don't know grape growing terms yet).

One more thing......the area outside of the little vineyard is a pasture for two horses, so I have at least a ton of dehydrated horse manure readily available. Is that good for Pinot Noir grapes?

Will be back with photos later in the day.

gibsonguy
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