Growing grapes in a cold climate presents unique challenges that are often more about dealing with winter injury than the growing season itself. According to Dr. Kevin Ker from Brock University’s Cool Climate Enology and Viticulture Institute, the temperatures outside the growing season are what set cold climate viticulture apart. Ensuring vines live for 25 years rather than just five involves strategies and practices tailored for harsh winter conditions.
Establishing a Vineyard in Cold Climates
Core principles remain the same when establishing a vineyard in a cold climate region. Evaluating the site for slope, aspect, soil depth, and type (high or low vigor), as well as water infiltration and moisture levels, is all important. The vines must be balanced in order to fully ripen fruit and still have time to transition into winter dormancy. The East Coast’s maritime climate differs significantly from that of central regions, with the potential for a blanket of snow proving to be an insulating layer during harsh winters.
Managing Cold Climate Vineyards
Managing cold climate vineyards involves several key strategies. One practice is maintaining multiple trunks of different ages and renewing them routinely. Trunks slowly accumulate damage over time and can suffer “death by a thousand nicks.” Regular renewal with younger trunks ensures they don’t meet the same fate of accumulated damage as older ones.
One tip is to always keep a sucker or renewal from the base every year. This practice provides new bud wood to renew vine health and improve vine longevity.
Fertilization and Nutrient Management
Cold climate viticulture requires a steady-state approach to fertilization. Dr. Ker recommends split applications, with the first between the first and third leaf stages and subsequent applications aligned with plant demands early in the season up to the bloom period. Plants benefit from being fed over time rather than all at once.
Using fertilizer spreaders that apply nutrients only in the weed-free zone under the vine ensures efficient nutrient use.
Pruning Techniques
Pruning in cold climates often involves a double prune strategy to mitigate spring frost risks. This technique includes leaving twice the number of canes and more buds than usual. Some canes, known as kicker canes, are left slightly longer from the renewal area. Once the high-risk frost period has passed, these canes are easy to trim, so only the ideally positioned buds are left to grow.
If you want to learn more about managing cold climate vineyards and dealing with cold damaged vines, check out https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/vu054.
