019: Shoot Thin to Win with Marco Tessari & Ken Swegles

When we shoot thin, we force the vines to focus all their best energy where we want the production and where we want the vine to grow in the years to come. This is how international pruning expert Marco Tessari so perfectly explains the purpose of shoot thinning.  Marco along with Ken Swegles of Rhizos Viticulture Consulting join me for this information-packed episode exploring what you need to know about shoot thinning for your current season and for the long-term growth and longevity of your conventional or organic vineyard. In this episode, you will hear: How shoot thinning directly ties into the work done while dormant pruning How proper shoot thinning is important for vineyard growth and longevity   What vineyards need to shoot thin - cane vs spur vineyards Optimal shoot thinning timing Shoot thinning considerations for organic growers Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Resources: If you have questions about today's episode or other grape-growing questions, you can visit VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Learn more about Shoot Thinning with these free Grower Guide videos from Fritz, and check out all the grape-growing content and resources at VirtualViticultureAcademy.com. Shoot Trimming or Hedging Concepts for Vigorous Vines Shoot Thinning High Cordon Vines Thinning Young Vines to Produce Strong Spur Positions If you are interested in joining VirtualViticultureAcademy.com to have access to member content and twice monthly live advising with Fritz, you can use the code Underground at checkout for $75 off your first year of membership as a thank you for being a podcast listener. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. Today's Guests: Marco Tessari is an international pruning expert based out of Montebelluna, Italy. Marco works with vineyards all over the world in person and virtually and is revolutionizing the art and science of vineyard pruning. Connect with Marco via email or follow him on Instagram Ken Swegles is the founder of Rhizos Viticulture in California and rehabilitates and manages vineyards through the exclusive practices of regenerative agriculture. Connect with Ken at Madson Wines or Rhizos Viticulture or follow him on Instagram.