Grape Vines on Agnomy

Bare-root and dormant grapevines are planted in spring, often April to May once frost risk passes, on ground laid out the previous fall or early spring. Benchgraft and green vines may go in slightly later. Planting into warming soil helps young vines push roots and establish quickly.

New vineyards yield their first harvestable crop in the third year, the so-called third leaf, with full production typically by years four to five. The first two seasons go into building a strong trunk and cordon or cane structure rather than fruit. Patience early pays off in vine longevity and balanced yields.

UC cost studies put winegrape vineyard establishment around $24,000 to $28,000 per acre over the first three years on flat, plantable ground. Steep, rocky sites with heavy infrastructure can exceed $100,000 per acre. Trellis, vines, land prep, and three years of care before the first crop drive most of the cost.

In the first year the strongest shoot is selected and tied to a stake, and competing shoots are pruned off before they pass about 12 inches. The next season two shoots are trained along the fruiting wire to form cordons or arms. This staged training builds a straight trunk and the permanent structure that carries future crops.