The French call it terroir, pronounced “ter-whah”.   Terroir is a way of describing the unique aspects of a place that influences and shapes the wine made from it.

Here’s what you need to consider when assessing your site - Soil, Sun, and Water

• Soil - What type of soil will you be planting in?
• Soil types
• Loam
• Clay
• Sandy
• Rocky
• Combination
• Water holding capacity and drainage
• Soil fertility

How to:  It can be as simple as digging down 12 to 24 inches, putting a soil sample in a plastic bag, and sending it to a soils laboratory for analysis. Sunridge can recommend several excellent soils labs.

Sun exposure - how much sun, shade, wind affects your site

• Full or partial sun
• Shade
• Wind

How to:  Take an account of your site - the trees on the property, how tree roots might affect your planting site, how much wind your site is exposed to.

Water - what’s in it influences the success of your vines

• Chemistry - nutrient levels

How to: Pour approximately 12 ounces of water in a bottle or jar and take it to a water analysis laboratory or your local water agency. Important things to test for are boron and iron levels which can be toxic to your vines.

Once you’ve learned more about the soil, sun, and water at your site, you can now make educated decisions about what to plant. The result will be healthy, vigorous grape vines.

Did you know? Why mustard and roses?

• The mustard seed plants you see blooming in the vineyards are there to help add vital supplements to the soil.
• Roses planted at the end of the vine rows are there to give early warning of mildew problems.

More than half of the table grape community prefers to plant dormant vines. This is especially advantageous when a grower has everything already prepared; fumigation, irrigation system, and trellises  installed.

The advantage of green growing vines allows the grower to make a decision later and complete most of the prep work at a later time as well.  I must mention, that green growing vines in the counties mentioned above cannot be planted before the middle of April due to the concern of a late freeze.  Although, the soil temperatures are higher, there is still a potential for freeze damage.

In the end, both of these planting techniques are very good.  The bottom line is, it comes down to a matter of personal preference and timing.  Below is a quote from a well respected grower from Delano, Ca. He prefers a green growing grape vine over a dormant grape vine.

“I prefer Sunridge greenhouse grown potted bench grafts over any other type of vine. The Superior root system results in higher yields over the life of the Vineyard and the  best quality”
- Jack J, Pandol

Important Rootstock Considerations

• Phylloxera resistance – Rootstocks are most commonly used to prevent soil pests or diseases, the most important being phylloxera and nematodes.
• Soil Adaption - Rootstocks are selected for their adaptation to particular soil and climate conditions.
• Drought Tolerance – Drought tolerance is an important consideration if irrigation will not be used.
• Modified Vigor –Choosing a rootstock that has the ability to modify the vigor of the scion is an important option.
• Advanced Maturity – The use of rootstocks on fruit ripening is of interest in cool-climate regions such as Oregon.

Rootstock Selections
The following are proven rootstocks in Oregon and perform well under our weather, soil and environmental conditions.

101-14 Mgt

• Vitis Parentage – Riparia x rupestris
• Phylloxera Resistance - High
• Nematode Resistance
  • Root Knot – Medium to High
  • Dagger – Medium to High
  • Ring - High
• Tolerance
  • Drought – Low to Medium
  • Wet Soil - Medium
  • Salinity - High
  • Lime – Low to Medium
• Influence on Scion
  • Vigor – Medium

Comments – Second most used rootstock in Oregon, requires deep soil, moist clay soils, tolerates wet soils, induces low yield-to-pruning ratios, not recommended for dry nonirrigated sites.

3309 C

• Vitis Parentage – Riparia x rupestris
• Phylloxera Resistance - High
• Nematode Resistance
  • Root Knot – Low
  • Dagger – Low
  • Ring – Very Low
• Tolerance
  • Drought – Low to Medium
  • Wet Soil –Low to Medium
  • Salinity – Low to Medium
  • Lime – Low to Medium
• Influence on Scion
  • Vigor – Low to Medium

Comments – Most widely used rootstock in Oregon, prefers deep, well-drained soil with good water-holding capacity, vines on this rootstock tend to over-crop, not recommended for dry nonirrigated sites, sensitive to latent viruses, tolerant of cold injury.

Riparia gloire

• Vitis Parentage – Riparia
• Phylloxera Resistance – Very High
• Nematode Resistance
  • Root Knot – Low
  • Dagger – Low
  • Ring - Low
• Tolerance
  • Drought – Low
  • Wet Soil –Low
  • Salinity – Medium
  • Lime – Low
• Influence on Scion
  • Vigor – Very Low to Medium

Comments – Third most used rootstock in Oregon prefers deep, well-drained, fertile and moist soils, good choice for fertile sites where low yields are desired, not recommended for dry nonirrigated sites, early maturation, scions tend to overbear.

California Clones:

FPS #4 –
Selected from Bordeaux originally by FPS.  Not much data available.  Was used in a trial in Oakville during the late 1990s that did not show much difference between the 3 CA clones available at the time.

FPS #6 –
Also used in the Oakville trial.  Clone experiences very bad blossom drop/shatter and was the lowest yielding clone in the trial.

FPS #9 –
The main clone we have used in California vineyards before Entav.  It is reported to be clone #180 from France.  #180 is a highly vigorous selection that can experience blossom drop/shatter issues.

FPS #10/11 –
These clones are different heat treatments of what is reported to be clone 46 from France.  This is the most widely planted clone in the Cahors region.  According to French data, clone 46 is one of the higher yielding clones due to its superior fertility.

Entav Clones:

#595 EV –
First selection imported through the program.  Most proven of the French selections.  Slightly lower vigor than other clones and can cooperate more at fruit set.  Earlier ripening clone that originated in the Cahors region.

#596 EV –
Newly imported selection from Cahors.  More widely planted in France than clone #595.  In clonal wine tastings in California with Entav, wines have been very similar to #595.

#598 EV –
Another newly imported clone from the Cahors region.  Most widely planted clone in France of the Entav selections.  In wine tastings it has been a real standout between the three with a more unique flavor profile.

Overall, there is not much data available on Malbec clones.  This is mainly a breakdown of what is out there and available.  In those areas that have major issues with set, a lower vigor rootstock is the main thing growers can do to see improvements.  Outside of that, the French Entav clones seem to fair better as well, but you can get further by making the right rootstock selection.

Please contact your local Sunridge Vineyard Representative to get the current plant availability of these selections.

We are told by the most educated and experienced minds in the industry that there are some basic areas that one should take very seriously when planting a vineyard that will last, will yield well, and will consistently produce quality fruit. Everyone agrees that you should know your site in terms of soil type, water quality, nematode and disease presence, climate, etc. so you can make a proper rootstock and varietal choice. Also, we know that having the proper irrigation and trellis system are very important. I would like to address the vine, and why we are told that you should choose only certified grapevines from a reputable nursery.

First, we are told that you “Must Start Clean.” So what is clean?  Clean means that the vine not carry disabling diseases at the time of planting. These diseases are an assortment of virus’, fungal, and bacterial pathogens that cannot be cured once the vine is infected. The fungal and bacterial pathogens can be controlled by growing the vines in the proper climate, using sterile nursery protocols, and taking preventative measures to keep them healthy. Sunridge Nursery is located in the Southern San Joaquin Valley, which has a dry desert climate conducive to growing without as much risk of these organisms infecting their grapevines. The virus issue is a bigger challenge, because the health of the stock material is critical to preventing the spread of a virus. That is why the best vine you can possibly plant is a California Certified vine with a pedigree that is traceable back to a known mother vine.

So what does California Certified mean?

Without making this sound too technical, California Certification refers to a Clean Stock Program that was set up with the cooperation of nurseries, the California University system, the California Dept. of Food and Ag., (CDFA), and the grapevine industry. This program has written rules, is administered by CDFA, and the site of all grapevine source mother vines and all program activities are at Foundation Plant Services, (FPS), at U.C. Davis. The source vines are submitted to FPS, tested for at least two years, and once they are deemed “clean” two vines are planted in their Foundation Block. Nurseries are required to have CDFA do a site survey to gain site approval before acquiring the FPS foundation vines to start a Registered and Certified Increase Block. Only first generation cuttings from a nurseries’ registered increase block can be called “Certified.” Both the rootstock and the budwood must be sourced from a registered block to qualify as certified.

Sunridge Nurseries’ Development and Support of Foundation Plant Services

Sunridge Nurseries, founded by owners, Glen, Terrie, and Craig Stoller, helped to develop and write the rules currently in place for the Certification program. It was built out of passion for the industry, and a desire to keep the industry strong over the long run. Sunridge Nurseries is the industry leader in support of FPS, and is the largest contributor to the financial longevity of the program, bar none.

Sunridge Nurseries’ Commitment to the California Certification Program

Sunridge Nurseries recently made a profound commitment by stating that all grapevines planted should be Certified Grapevines. We have asked that all growers plant either California Certified vines, or graft tested, virus free budwood onto certified rootstock. This commitment by Sunridge Nurseries, and to the industry as a whole, is the only proven way that we can prevent the spread of virus diseases. Why should a grower just settle for “Clean,” when you can plant California Certified grapevines that also have a known pedigree with the backing of CDFA, FPS, and is in the best interest of the entire industry! A grapevine grown in a test tube does not make it any better. It is just another means of propagating a vine that is planted out into a field to be another increase block. The vines you receive come from cuttings grown outdoors, in a field, and are the same as all other nursery increase blocks. It is the nurseries sterile practices that are important, and the fact that Sunridge Increase Blocks are Registered and Certified that are critical. Come see our facilities so you can get the feel of cleanliness, and understand what “sterile nursery practices” are. You will see that we offer a product that provides the best of both worlds - Certified Source Material grown in a facility that is State-of-the-Art.

The Next Generation - It is “Where We Go From Here”

It is our goal to persuade every grower to plant only Certified material, and to plant the very best vines available. So in keeping with this very progressive attitude, Sunridge Nurseries is replacing older increase blocks with the latest, most extensively tested material available, which FPS has dubbed as the “Next Generation” grapevine stock material. It has been shoot-tip cultured at FPS and verified that it is virus free and Crown Gall free using both RT-PCR and TaqMan qPCR methods to screen for virus’. FPS has also compared this material with original clones, to verify that they have not been altered during the treatments, before releasing them to nurseries.  This material is the best in the world, without a question. Sunridge Nurseries is aggressively planting this registered Next Generation material so it will be available as quickly as possible. This will further protect the future of our industry.

Sunridge - Where the Vintage Begins

We do not succeed unless the growers succeed. That is why we present the facts. No double talk. No creative advertizing. No gimmicks. We have a highly educated staff that will strive to give you only the truth, and base in on hard facts.  We have a strong history based on sound principles, from a family run foundation with a passion to do what is right for the industry. Please let us be your first choice when planting your next vineyard. You only have one chance to do it right the first time!

After all, Grapevines Are All We Grow!

Sincerely,

Steve Maniaci,  General Manager

Sunridge Nurseries is proud to announce its new Deep Root Green Pot. This pot, the largest in the grapevine industry at a volume of 946 cc, was first introduced at the Unified Wine Symposium in Sacramento. The Deep Root Green Pot has almost double the volume of any other green growing potted grapevine available. Green vine quality never looked so good.

This pot promotes proper root orientation, allowing the roots to descend to the bottom of the pot in a straight fashion. The ribs in the side of the pot point the roots downward towards the large opening at the bottom of the pot, which allows for “air pruning.” This process encourages the basal roots to branch  repeatedly, and prevents root balling at the bottom. Sunridge believes that the downward orientation of the roots promote the plant to excel after  field planting. Roots are not tangled or competing, so the natural downward growth continues uninhibited. The resulting root structure in an established vineyard becomes mechanically strong and stable. Sunridge, the leader  in the industry, believes that growers are looking for a healthy, viable plant that will grow fast and be easy to maintain after planting. This new product line should fill or exceed all of your requirements. After all, you only have one chance to get it right the first time, and here it is!

Some of the clones poured were Viognier Clone 642 and 1042; Cabernet Franc Clones 214, 394, and 395; Cot Clone 598; Merlot Clone 181; and Petit Verdot Clone 1058. For the first time, guests had the opportunity to taste the new Sunridge exclusive INRA varietals such as Arinarnoa (cross between Tannat and Cabernet Sauvignon); Caladoc (cross between Grenanche and Cot) and Marselan (cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache).

Sunridge has a large diversity of clonal material that comes directly from the ENTAV repositories in Domaine de l’Espiguette in France. Each year during Unified, a variety of clones are brought to educate winemakers and vineyard managers about the extensive clonal selections offered by Sunridge.

The room at the Esquire Grill was crowded with animated conversation and diligent note taking by tasters. The always wonderful food prepared by the Esquire Grill was delightfully consumed as well as domestic wines representative of our special guests.

Sunridge and IFV thank all of you who attended and we hope that you left with newly acquired information about the many French clonal selections available at Sunridge Nurseries.

Jeff Koligian, a well-respected and experienced viticulturalist, announces his launching as an independent viticulture consultant. Jeff specializes in the selection and planting of grapevine nursery stock and the development and maintenance of vineyards.

As a third generation grape grower in California, Jeff comes from a long tradition of viticulture—starting in his family vineyard at five years old, he has been around vineyards all his life. He graduated from California State University, Fresno in 1978 with a degree in Agriculture and emphasis in Viticulture. After graduation, he operated a 640-acre vineyard in Madera. His career then moved him to Monterey County, where he eventually worked his way up to become a vineyard manager with responsibilities covering 4,200 acres of wine grapes. Several large coastal wineries have hired Jeff as their vineyard manager and key grower relations representative.

For the last twelve years, Jeff was employed by Sunridge Nurseries Inc., most recently as their grapevine technical advisor. Throughout the years, he has been an expert witness relating to grapevines and vineyard development. As Jeff explains, “After spending the first part of my career making a living by managing thousands of acres of vineyards, I have learned the importance of good vine performance. I have seen over 15 million vines planted in a broad spectrum of conditions, which gives me tremendous knowledge to recommend exactly the right plants and conditions for your vineyards.”

Jeff is well known in the industry as a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, President of the Monterey Country Grape Growers’ Association, Board Member of the Paso Robles Area Quality Alliance, Co-Chair of the Industry Advisory Board, and President of the Central Coast Ag. Task Force. With his own personal vineyard, Jeff has achieved excellent success and balance in planting all types of vines. He is currently running a grapevine performance trial on the vineyard that he owns and operates.

Jeff, with his professionalism and experience, will be a welcomed authority in advising both new plantings and as a “grapevine troubleshooter” for the industry.

Both entities continually strive to share information and technical support. Each year, IFV sends technicians—experts in their fields—to check on the mother blocks of ENTAV-INRA® clones at Sunridge. We frequently have internationally renowned ampelographers, like Jean-Michel Boursiquot, and wine grape specialists, such as Laurent Audeguin and Christophe Schneider, come to California to walk our blocks, share technical data, and visit our customers.

In an effort to strengthen our education of the current French industry, as well as IFV’s current clonal selections, Sunridge also sends its representatives to France. In the past, both Glen and Craig Stoller frequently made visits. This year, Sunridge’s General Manager, Steve Maniaci, and Sales Manager, Butch McKinley, visited IFV’s repository and laboratories in Domaine de l’Espiquette, in southern France’s Montpellier region. They learned about the newest clonal selections and the on-going, extensive testing of all clones that pass through IFV’s selection process. Technical information regarding Sunridge’s current available clones was shared and future selections were considered.
Sunridge is always searching for improved and better choices for its customers. We consistently improve our knowledge of our product so we can share it with our clients. Our strong affiliation with France’s highest authority on wines and vines brings to you, our customer, the most state-of-the-art products.

*The French Vine and Wine Institute (IFV – Institut Francais de la Vigne et du Vin) is the result of the 2007 merger of two French national government organizations: ENTAV and ITV France. The French Ministry for Agriculture and Fisheries declared that this Institute would conduct studies of the entire French wine industry regarding the selection of grape plant material and protection in their repository, vine growing, vineyard management, wine making and marketing. IFV conducts its research on its experimental sites established in all the French wine regions.

As a result of the company’s dedication to protecting and restoring the area’s unique wine grapes, PLANSEL is succeeding in bringing the Iberian Peninsula’s historic varieties once again to a place of world-wide prominence.

The agreement between the two companies allows Sunridge an exclusive license to produce and market PLANSEL’s proprietary grape clonal selections.

For more information visit www.plansel.com.