Trellising

Although not directly connected to the actual growth of the vines, the trellising system,supporting the vines and their fruit throughout the year, is a fundamental requirement. We use a very basic system - basic but ingenious.

The weight of the fruit as it ripens is immense and the trellis needs to be strong enough to provide full support. The system consist of re-inforced (by ground anchors) posts at the end of each row and intermediate posts every 5 metres. There are four wires that run the length of the row;

• Top wire: Guides and supports the vertical growth of the vine.
• Two fruiting wires: Both attached to the same side of each post, to which the canes are attached (see tying down) and which bear the main weight of the fruit.
• Two leaf wires: One on either side of the posts which are raised during relevage.

The trellising - wires, posts and nails - are all checked at the start of the year with replacements made as necessary. This can be a back-breaking activity, the new posts are very heavy.