Virtual Viticulture Academy

06/18/2026

Let us know your burning viticulture questions in the comments with your name and state. You might just end up having it answered at the next Live Vineyard Advising on June 25!
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06/15/2026

You are going to want to sign up for this one...

Not a member yet? → https://tinyurl.com/2s7xa9ma

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06/11/2026

Crop load management at lag phase is a key decision point for grape quality. In this Grower Guide, Fritz demonstrates green fruit thinning on a Merlot block, walking through the reasoning and technique behind reducing clusters at this stage to maximize fruit quality.

Full video guide → https://tinyurl.com/VVAGG3

In this short video, Fritz thins out some green fruit during lag phase to help a Merlot block produce the best fruit possible! View Video

06/09/2026

*Free Resource Alert*

Shoot Thinning Young Vines - The Secret to Growing a Strong Trunk
If you're establishing a new vineyard, this step can make or break your long-term success.

Proper shoot thinning on young vines helps you:

- Develop a strong, straight trunk
- Direct energy to the right growth
- Set your vines up for years of healthy production
- Reduce disease pressure early on

Whether you're a first-time grower or a seasoned viticulturist, mastering this technique is essential for a thriving vineyard. → https://tinyurl.com/VVAGG2

In this short video, Fritz Westover discusses growing a trunk from a shoot on 3rd year vine and 2 rules to follow.

06/03/2026

New vineyards in ! Many of you already know Rachael, the “other” viticulturist and key component of our Virtual Viticulture Academy. But did you know we work with several startup vineyards in Georgia? We couldn’t be more pleased with how these new vineyards look!
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06/01/2026

The summer fun has just begun, and with it comes an infinite list of possibilities in your vineyard (good and bad!). Need a hand? Stop by an LVA session; we are here to lend a helping hand. → https://tinyurl.com/y2kwc35c

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05/28/2026

" I'm not sure I'm ready to plant yet, is a vineyard plan worth it now?"

YES. Here's why:

The decisions you make BEFORE planting determine the success of your vineyard for decades. Getting your soil right, your rows oriented correctly, your trellis built for your varieties, these aren't things you can easily fix later.
The Vineyard Establishment Package gives you research-based guidance from Fritz Westover, customized to your specific land, so when you're ready to plant, you're not starting over, you're executing a proven plan.

Perfect for landowners planning a vineyard in the next 2–4 years. → https://tinyurl.com/2mf2mhd9

Fritz Westover will help you get your vineyard planned and planted with the information you need. Based on years of experience and cutting-edge research-based information, your Vineyard Establishment Packages comes with the following comprehensive set of deliverables:

05/27/2026

Wrong rebar placement can wreck an entire trellis system. Here's how we fixed it. 👉
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05/19/2026

Another day, another shoot thinning session!

05/13/2026

Breaking down this shoot thinning pass in the High Plains. Hoping we see some improvement in the years to come!

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