\nBelow is a photo (from the web) of what our job looks like.
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![\"\"](\"http:\/\/rocknponderosa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2-11-grape-vine-pruning.jpg\")
\nUsing the terms in the drawing (below), the long horizontal cordon will have a few to a dozen or so arms<\/b> \u2013 places where growth occurs, like tree limbs. We cut off old growth \u2013 note the gray color in the above image, extra of last year’s growth. The gray is 2-year old wood while the others are one year old. We cut most of the wood away, leaving just one spur with two buds. A new cane will grow from this point, perhaps 2 to 10 feet long.
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![\"\"](\"http:\/\/rocknponderosa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2-11-b-vine-drawing.jpg\")
\nAbout May, the growth is so fast you can almost see it happen. Grape clusters form on the new cane close to the arm.
\nThere are other ways of training vines and pruning. Methods are easily found on the web. The idea is to reduce the potential crop to a level the vine (roots and leaves) can ripen for quality wine. The weather has to cooperate.
\nFor red wines the sugar content at harvest will be about 25%; the seedless table grapes bought at a grocery store will be about 17%. Such table grapes would make a wine of under 10% alcohol.
\nWe have an early start for this year, so we may finish before April. But our fastest pruner will be gone for a week \u2013 so maybe not. That is Tom, and I always take a row next to him. He helps in my row and then I keep up. Thereby, he and I stay with the others \u2013 Cameron, Eric, and Mark. (Mark has had a cold but should be with us on Wednesday).<\/p>\n