The trellising system is a fixed cordon wire 1 metre high. Vines are two bud spur pruned. For the Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre a catch of two foliage wire sits about 500mm above the cordon wire. The region is prone to high winds during the growing season and these can roll the canopies of the less erect growing varieties (Shiraz & Viognier). We stabilize the canopies and prevent sunburn and promote even ripening by employing a system of two movable foliage wires known as Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP). VSP was developed for cooler climates. It directs the shoots or canes to grow in a vertical direction thus maximizing fruit exposure which is important to achieve optimum ripeness opening up the canopy for maximum airflow which is a natural aid in disease prevention. We do not need such overt exposure. So we use a variant of VSP (lazy VSP) where we only attempt to pick up about 65-70% of shoots leaving the rest to grow in a semi recumbent manner. This stabilizes the canopy, still leaves the canopy open for airflow yet provides filtered sunlight for ripening the fruit. Cropping targets are moderate-we prune for crop loads between 6 to 7 tonnes / ha depending on the variety and variables such as soil types, aspect or seasonal effects. Our primary viticultural goal is to sustain the vine, avoid stress and to optimize fruit quality.
