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grape production to their own winery, and the remaining 25
percent is sold to unrelated wineries.
Vines of a particular variety are grown in a “block”, which
is not a standard size area of land. Depending upon the size of
the block, petitioners typically used 10 or more individuals to
install vines on a block. After the soil has been ripped or
broken and nutrients added, the trellis rows are laid out with a
mark to identify the location of each vine. A 2-foot trench is
dug and a PVC pipe is installed, along with risers at each
trellis row for the irrigation system. End and in-line posts are
then pounded 2 to 3 feet into the ground, and anchors are screwed
into the ground to secure the end posts with guy wires. Various
wires are then attached and strung between the posts to train and
irrigate the vines. Next, a drip hose is attached to the riser
and fastened to the drip wire with clips. Finally emitters are
placed on the drip hose at the eventual site of each vine.
As of the time of trial, petitioners were cultivating 12
different grape varietals, including Carignane, Chardonnay,
Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, Merlot, Sangiovese, Montepulciano,
Petite Verdot, Malbec, Syrah, Cab Franc, and Cabernet.
Petitioners used two grape-growing methods--trellising and head
pruning. The trellising method involves the use of trellises and
a drip irrigation system, whereas the head pruning method does
not require a trellis, but drip irrigation may be used.
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Last modified: November 10, 2007