Great Vineyards Program

    

The purpose of the AgriLife Extension Great Vineyards Program is to help Texas grape producers improve the productivity and fruit quality of their vineyards. Vineyards are assessed, either by the producer alone or with assistance from an AgriLife Viticulture Advisor, using a set of vineyard assessment forms. A customized management plan is developed focused on improvement of vineyard characteristics identified in the assessment.

Assessment is conducted by systematically evaluating vineyard characteristics that individually and collectively contribute to vineyard performance. Vineyard assessment forms require a yes or no response for approximately 24 checklist items evaluated mostly on objective criteria generally regarded as excellent vineyard characteristics. As a guide to vineyard performance, a rating is assigned based on the percentage of positive responses; 90-100% is considered Excellent and 80-89% is Commendable. Key to the program is development and execution of the management plan to improve vineyard performance. The ultimate outcome should be a great vineyard that produces consistently good yields of high quality fruit.

Vineyards can participate in the Great Vineyards Program one of two ways:

  1. Vineyard assessment is conducted by the regional AgriLife Viticulture Advisor who also develops a customized management plan for vineyard improvement. (Fee required*)
  2. Vineyard assessment is conducted by the vineyard manager who is encouraged to consult with regional AgriLife Viticulture Advisor on specific actions to include in their management plan to improve vineyard performance.

*Fee structure for services provided by AgriLife Extension:

$50 per vineyard block ($100 minimum) plus mileage [$0.50/mile X2 (round-trip) X2 (assessment visits)]

  • Vineyard block is defined as a single grape variety planted in the same year and managed as a distinct unit
  • AgriLife services include 2 site visits/season to conduct vineyard assessment and develop a customized management plan

Download Vineyard Assessment Forms

Administration

Edward Hellman, Director
Professor of Viticulture and Extension Specialist

Regional Viticulture Advisors

Penny Adams, Texas Hill Country
Dusty Timmons, West Texas
Fran Pontasch, North Texas
Fritz Westover, Gulf Coast
 

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The Texas Winegrape Network was created and is maintained by Edward Hellman. Graphic design by Monika Sobolewska. © Copyright 2007 Texas AgriLife Extension.