Now that we have fruiting wires we can train our vines. Tying to the low wire (fruiting) provides support and optimizes sunlight and air circulation. It also allows us to control how many buds will develop.
We have chosen the Guyot pruning system for our vineyard because it is preferable for a VSP (vertical shoot positioning) trellising system like ours. As mentioned, it improves airflow and sunlight exposure around the grape bunches and in general makes it easier to balance vegetative growth with fruitfulness. The following illustration shows what a double-Guyot trained vine looks like. The lowest trellis wire is the fruiting wire:
Guyot is often used in cooler climates. The idea is that if you limit a vine’s lignified growth to just the trunk, the vine will be less vulnerable to winter damage from severe cold. It also helps that only one or two new fruiting canes (single or double) are selected each year, so cold-damaged canes can be removed from the vines.
Guyot pruning is more labor intensive than a cordon system, but it’s worth it.