I have several grape vines that are estimated to be over 30 years old and produce marginal amounts of grapes even though the plants are drip watered, on wire and have a full sun exposure. I believe that the grape canopy is overgrown from insuficient pruning, to the point that the fruit does is not receiving the proper exposure to grow to maturity. To prove my point on September 1st I removed leaves from the canopy to expose the grapes and found that even though I believe them to be a late variety they have ripen quickly, (Brix Unknown) My question is< Can I cut the vines back and restart the pruning process and what guidelines should I follow for the vines to have a fighting chance of survival. I intend to start pruning in December and rewire and restake the vines as well. If I am unsuccessfull, can I grow a grafted Carbernet Franc vine in my zone near Silverdale, Wa USA. I dont know what root stock is used for the Cab Franc. Thanks billwa1@earthlink.net
You can prune the vines properly and train them that will help. http://maritimefruit.wsu.edu/GrapePruningBasics.html Cabernet Franc should grow there. Pinot noir grows in your region so Cab Franc should do okay there. Check this link out for more info. http://pugetsoundwine.org/default.aspx Cheers
