Next Generation Viticulture is a seven-year project that aims to increase vineyard profitability through the adoption of innovative, efficient canopy systems. The programme is co-funded by New Zealand Winegrowers, seven wine companies and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).

During its pilot phase, NGV evaluated six alternative training systems. One system emerged as particularly promising in helping achieve the programme’s outcomes. This training system was further refined by increasing the vine size and the number of permanent cordons. The three NGV training treatments now being trialled are:

• 6VC or six vertical cordons with 1.8m vine spacing,
• 9VC or nine vertical cordons with 2.7m vine spacing, and
• 12VC or 12 vertical cordons with 3.6m vine spacing.

A fourth treatment is the grower’s commercial training system, either two-, three- or four-cane VSP.

The NGV vine’s framework is constructed in five stages over five growing seasons. Each stage has a different winter pruning approach. This workshop will demonstrate pruning at the Constellation Brand trial site, which is now entering Stage 4 or intermediate development.

Who is this workshop for?