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W i n e s & V i n e s J U LY 2 0 1 4 81 WineEast WineEast significant, avoid nitrogen fertilization for this season and consider sowing a cereal (or allow weed growth) under the trellis to provide some competi- tion and reduce shoot vigor. Retain moderate (0.5 to 0.625 inches in diameter) canes next winter to retrain trunks and cor- dons. You don't need to remove the injured trunks immediately; there will be time for that after you've gained a fuller picture of how much injury your vines might have sustained. Trunk injury (and splitting) may also be observed during the follow- ing winter (2014-15). The appearance of cold- injured trunks is a reminder that we are growing cold-tender grapes in a region where winter temperatures can be marginally acceptable. Drought, excess rain and defoliating diseases (we saw lots of downy mildew problems in 2013) can reduce vines' capacity for cold ac- climation and mid-winter cold hardiness, further increasing the potential for severe injury. Many growers—particularly those who have entered the in- dustry since 2000 or so—have ignored multiple-trunking rec- ommendations, and some have planted very cold-tender variet- ies. These can be calculated, acceptable risks with small plantings in excellent sites, but the hazards are real and should be carefully considered. I've talked to a few seasoned growers who are using the significant winter injury from the past several months as motivation to rethink their varietal planting scheme. If, for example, you have considerable injury to a Merlot clone that is less than optimal, perhaps now is a good time to replant the block with a superior clone. WE Dr. Tony K. Wolf is a professor of viticulture and director of the AHS Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Virginia Tech. He provides extension resources, teaches an online viticulture course and was principal author and editor of the Wine Grape Production Guide for Eastern North America (2008). Bird Netting Hilling up: Art Hunt uses mulch to protect his vines against winter injury at Hunt Country Vineyards in New York's Finger Lakes. Sales Representatives Chris & Liz Stamp info@lakewoodcork.com Lakewood Cork 4024 State Route 14 Watkins Glen, NY 14891 lakewoodcork.com 607-535-9252 607-535-6656 Fax Natural Corks Champagne Corks Twinline Corks Bartops VISION ® Wine Stopper G-Cap ® Screw Cap As good As it gets. Daily Wine Industry News winesandvines.com