Prepare your vineyard for the upcoming growing season by exploring essential practices in winter pruning and seasonal vineyard management. Designed for small vineyard owners, growers and vineyard professionals, this introductory course covers post-harvest fertilization and its role in vine health, grapevine architecture, pruning styles and methods, and trellis systems. Participants will develop a foundational understanding of how these practices contribute to effective vineyard management and prepare vines for the next growing season.

Learn from UC Cooperative Extension advisors at the Harry E. Jacob Research Vineyard & Facility in Oakville, California. This two-day intensive combines one day of classroom instruction with one day of hands-on field practice, including pruning demonstrations and opportunities to practice pruning techniques. Participants will connect vineyard management principles with practical skills they can apply in their own vineyards.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Develop an understanding of Post-Harvest fertilization purpose and application
• Categorize different styles and methods of pruning
• Understand the importance of grapevine architecture
• Compare trellis designs and roles in vineyard management

Skills You Will Gain

• Vineyard site assessment for selection of proper pruning and training methods
• Pruning methods for grapevines
• Vineyard establishment and trellis planning
• Pest and disease management

Course Format and Pacing

This course is held in-person at the UCD Oakville Field Station in the Napa Valley. This is part of the UCD campus. Students will be in the classroom the first day. There will be field demonstrations the second day regardless of weather conditions. Students should dress in weather appropriate clothing. Field work appropriate footwear is encouraged. Out of consideration to other students observing the demonstrations, umbrellas are discouraged. We would also suggest that students wear a hat and sunscreen. Please be advised there will be a considerable amount of standing for long periods while students are in the field.

Meals and Breaks

Morning refreshments and lunch will not be provided. Please bring a brown bag lunch each day. You will have a one-hour lunch break.