Trellises
Trellises allow growers to manage their vines' microclimate, especially the amount of sunlight grapes will receive. Sunlight ultimately fuels the grape growing process through photosynthesis where leaves change carbon dioxide to sugar. Pigments, flavors and aromas are also the direct result of sun exposure.
Vertical Shoot Positioned
The Vertical Shoot Positioned system trains foliage upwards and leaves grape bunches lower for easier harvesting. It also allows vines to be planted close together which stresses them and leads to quality fruit.
Geneva Double Curtain
Also known as GDC, the Geneva Double Curtain system has two parallel wires that train cordons to each side. This exposes vines to more wind and sun and is a safeguard against mildew. A third wire is sometimes run along the center above the other two in order to further encourage the spreading out of the vine.
Lyre
The Lyre system is similar to Geneva Double Curtain trellises. Cordons are trained up and to the side, causing the vine to look like a U. Like the GDC, this helps to avoid mildew by exposing the vine to air.
Guyot
This trellis system is often used for Cabernet Sauvignon planted in unfertile soils, and is widespread in Bordeaux. It allows the vine to minimize energy to the canopy and maximize energy to the grapes. Guyot trellises are relatively easy to maintain and can be adapted to local conditions.
Cordon de Royat
The Cordon de Royat is a unilateral spur trained system. Royat is a famous agricultural school in France where the trellis system was developed.
Goblet
The goblet method is an example of spur trained trellis system and is often employed in older vineyards. When mature, these vines develop thick, gnarled bark. These older vines are prized for their low yields and flavor concentration.
Scott Henry
The Scott Henry trellis system was developed by Mr. Henry in Oregon’s Umpqua Valley. It is a variation of Vertical Shoot Positioned and is basically a double version of the Guyot Double system. The difference is that canes are trained both up and down. In contrast, canes are only trained up with the Guyot Double. The Scott Henry system is used to thin and spread out the canopy. This exposes grapes to more sun and can be particularly useful in cooler climates.
Chablis
As its name implies, the Chablis trellis system was developed in the Chablis district of Burgundy, France. Each year, canes grow from spurs along the vine’s cordon. It is widely used to train Pinot Noir vines throughout the world.
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