Vineyard Underground Fritz Westover

In this episode, we have a conversation with Luca Paschina, the estate director and winemaker for Barboursville Vineyards in Virginia. A third-generation winemaker from Alba, Italy, Luca has worked in Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Napa, and the Finger Lakes before settling in Virginia, where he expanded Barboursville Vineyards from 38 to 180 acres. Integrating Italian, French, and other grape varieties and techniques, Luca discusses the challenges of growing Italian grapes like Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Moscato in Virginia's climate and his strategic vineyard management.
In this episode, you will hear:
Challenges and successes in cultivating Italian grape varieties like Moscato, Barbera, and Nebbiolo in Virginia.
Techniques and strategies for vineyard management in Virginia's climate.
The flagship wine of Barboursville Vineyards, Octagon, and its blends.
The challenges of growing Italian white varietals like Vermentino, Fiano, and Falanghina.
Comparisons of vineyard practices between Italy and Virginia, including site selection and vine management.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Resources:
Get Fritz’s Prospective Winegrape Grower Course – with over 5 hours of guided video content, this course shows you through examples, illustrations, and more what you need to know to make good decisions from the start for growing a successful vineyard. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to get the course for only $200.00.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. 
Today’s Guest:
Luca Paschina is a third-generation winemaker from Alba, Italy, and is the estate director and winemaker for Barboursville Vineyards in Virginia.

Connect with Luca: 
Barboursville Vineyards Website: https://www.bbvwine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarboursvilleVineyards/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barboursvillevineyards/ 
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today’s episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

In the cycle of vineyard management, every season brings its unique set of challenges and opportunities. As we navigate past fruit set but not quite at veraison, our focus should pivot to protecting and enhancing the quality of the fruit that is already on the vines. This period demands precise interventions to ensure the health and quality of our crops.
In this episode, Fritz shares the six key areas of vineyard management that can easily go awry in this midsummer season and how to avoid those mistakes in your vineyard. Listen in to learn what not to do so you can have a thriving vineyard this summer.
In this episode, you will hear:
What improper canopy management looks like and how to hedge effectively
What a “taco canopy” is and how to manage it
The risk of summer sprays and alternatives to avoid burning plants
The best time to add fertilizer (aka nitrogen)
Why you shouldn’t take off leaves with chlorosis
The importance of controlling weeds early on
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Clemens Technologies for sponsoring today’s episode. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

In this episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Markus Keller of Washington State University on the advances in vineyard nutrition monitoring. Dr. Keller shares his extensive knowledge of the importance of nutrient management in viticulture, drawing from his rich background and current research. We discuss strategies for regulated deficit nutrition management, winter survival tactics, emerging technologies like remote sensing for precision nutrient management, and much more.
Listen in and soak up the information that Dr. Keller shares with us about all things vineyard nutrition monitoring.
In this episode, you will hear:
Importance of nutrient management for wine quality and vine longevity.
Nutrient cycling and management, including the role of natural sources and the impact of nutrient losses during harvest and pruning.
What regulated deficit nutrition management (RDN) is and what its benefits for enhancing grape quality are.
Advice on tissue sampling and nutrient budgeting, especially in vineyards practicing deficit irrigation.
The potential of remote sensing technologies for precision nutrient applications.
How climate change impacts vineyards.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Visit Virtual Viticulture Academy Grower Guide Resources for access to target nutrient values, guides to leaf and petiole sampling, and other nutrient-related content.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. 
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Markus Keller of Washington State University is a renowned viticulture researcher and the author of The Science of Grapevines - a top reference book in the industry. 
Connect with Markus – Research Website | Email | Order - The Science of Grapevines 3rd Edition | Listen to the HiRes Vineyard Nutrition Podcast
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Vintner’s Vault for sponsoring today’s episode! Vintner’s Vault was started and is operated by winemakers, so they have the knowledge and experience to help you make an educated decision on the equipment purchases and winery setup and layouts that are best for you. They are the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers who are also winemakers.
Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Join us in this episode with Dr. Mark Krasnow, an acclaimed plant physiologist and the founder of Thoughtful Viticulture. From the landscapes of New Zealand, Dr. Krasnow takes us on a journey from budding winemaker to viticulture expert. Although we could discuss many topics with him, this discussion focuses on crop regulation and fruit thinning strategies. 
Many vineyard management techniques are universal, while others are location-specific. Listen in to learn some new strategies and begin implementing them in your vineyard.
In this episode, you will hear:
Reasons growers choose to reduce crop in their vineyard or aim for a specific crop load on their vines.
When to thin and start cropping young vines, including a strategy for guidelines.
Differences in crop regulation needs when cane pruned versus spur pruned.
What research tells us about fruit removal from shoots during the growing season.
Pros and cons of early versus late fruit removal.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Listen to Episode 23 - Debunking the Low Yield = High Quality Myth with Dr. Patty Skinkis to learn more about the true relationship between yield and quality.
Listen to Episode 17 - Using Sheep in Regenerative Agriculture with Kelly Mulville to learn more about using sheep in the vineyard.
Download Fritz’s member-only Crop Estimation Grower Guide to learn how to estimate, when to estimate, and tips for improving estimation accuracy.
Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout.
If you have questions about today’s episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. 
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Mark Krasnow is a renowned plant physiologist and consultant and the founder of Thoughtful Viticulture – a company that helps vineyards grow the highest quality fruit in the most sustainable and efficient manner possible.
Connect with Mark at thoughtfulviticulture.com and follow him @drkraz.
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today’s episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. And as grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

In this episode, we are back with another Q&A with my friend Jim Duane of Inside Winemaking. Back in episode 42, we answered some great listener questions about preparing your property, getting started in grape growing, managing pests, etc. We had so many questions pour in that we needed to make this a two-part series. To learn more about Jim and hear the first batch of questions, please jump back to episode 42. Otherwise, tune in for more of your burning grape growing questions answered!
In this episode, you will hear:
If it’s best to drop fruit or carry fruit on the shoots that will be next year's cane
The best practices for early shoot thinning to optimize carbohydrate distribution
Effective strategies for managing powdery mildew in vineyards
How sunlight and temperature impact red grape quality
What the pest pressures are throughout the US
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Want Fritz to answer your grape growing questions live? Get a FREE Guest Pass for an upcoming Live Vineyard Advising session and get advice and answers for your specific vineyard questions from Fritz!
Download Fritz’s member-only Crop Estimation Grower Guide to learn how to estimate, when to estimate, and tips for improving estimation accuracy.
If you have ideas for future episodes or questions about today’s episode, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. 
Today’s Guest:
Jim Duane is the head winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in Napa Valley and the host of the Inside Winemaking podcast.
Connect with Jim, learn about upcoming winemaking courses and classes, and listen to the podcast at InsideWinemaking.com.
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Vintner’s Vault for sponsoring today’s episode!  Vintner’s Vault was started and is operated by winemakers, so they have the knowledge and experience to help you make an educated decision on the equipment purchases and winery set up and layouts that are best for you. They are the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers who are also winemakers.
Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

In this episode, I have a conversation with Dr. Marcelo Moretti on some best practices for vineyard floor management. We discuss integrated weed management strategies, the use of organic herbicides, and the implementation of cover crops to promote vine health and combat weeds. Dr. Moretti also shares the challenges and advantages of various non-traditional methods, including the use of traditional and novel mechanical tools. 
In this episode, you will hear:
Methods to manage a vineyard floor other than conventional herbicides.
The ecological and economic benefits of alternative approaches.
Cover crops and the importance of cordon height for sheep grazing.
Selection and adaptation of mechanical weed control tools.
Common mistakes when transitioning to mechanized vineyard management.
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click the ‘+ Follow’ button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Resources:
Listen to Episode 17 to learn more about using sheep in the vineyard. View Marcelo Moretti’s weed-zapping machine video.
Visit VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/newgrower to register to learn more about the NEW Young Vineyard Management Course.  Use the code UNDERGROUND50 at checkout to get $50 off the regular course price through the end of June 2024.
If you have questions about today’s episode or other grape growing questions, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. 
Today’s Guest:
Dr. Marcelo Moretti is an associate professor at Oregon State University and serves as a research and extension specialist for weed science in perennial horticultural crops. His research is focused on integrated weed management aiming to develop strategies that are effective and economical to manage weeds in organic and conventional production systems.
Connect with Marcelo:
Research Website: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/people/marcelo-moretti  Email: morettim@oregonstate.edu  Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Clemens Technologies for sponsoring today’s episode. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.