Instructions for the VSP Trellis System

Measure the length of the row where you plan to install the posts and grape vines. Do this before purchasing any material. This map will display how many posts are needed for each row of grapes. Interior posts are spaced 6 to 8 meters apart with the VSP trellis. Vines are spaced two meters apart. The length of the row will dictate the length of the wire needed for fruiting and foliage wires.

Sink the two large posts at the end of the grape row. These posts are normally cemented into place as they come under a lot of tension. They can be installed vertically or at a 45 degree angle away from the row. Depending on your soil, a mechanical digger may be needed to dig deep enough holes.

Install the interior posts where marked on the row map. Make sure these are secure and will not move.

Anchor the two fruiting wires to the end post by stringing them through a hook. One fruiting wire goes on one side of the post and the other on the other side. The first fruiting wire is typically 39 inches from the ground. The second fruiting wire on the opposite side is 8 inches higher than the first fruiting wire.

Run this wire along all the interior posts to the end post. At each post pull the wire taught and staple it into the post with heavy duty staples. Before securing the end of the wire on the end post, a special tension machine will be needed to pull the wire very taught. This cannot be done by hand. Check with a local agricultural store for the machine or where to rent it. Vineyard companies will also have the means to achieve the required tension on the wire.

Attach two foliage wires to the post ends in the same manner. Foliage wires are placed 8 inches above the fruiting wire. The second foliage wire goes 8 inches above the first foliage wire. Run the foliage wire along the row and secure the end post at the other end. This wire only needs to be hand tight. Staple the foliage wires to the interior posts.

Screw small hooks on the interior posts halfway between the two foliage wires. Attach a third and fourth foliage wire at this same height on each side of the post. Do not secure these two wires to the interior posts. They are only secured on the end posts. Let them fall on the ground until needed. These foliage wires function as catch wires.

Plant the grape vines, spacing them every two to three meters along the row.

Tie two canes, or wood from last year's growth, to the first fruiting wire with twist ties, running the canes out from the trunk. The cane will produce the new grape vine growth this year. Cut the trim so that approximately five to 10 buds are on each cane. The bud will produce a shoot with grapes this year.

Tie another two canes in the same manner to the second fruiting wire. An alternative to this method is to tie one cane on the first fruiting wire running to the left. Then tie the second cane to the second fruiting wire, but running it to the right. This will depend on the grape variety and desired crop level. More canes produce more buds. More buds produce more shoots. More shoots produce more grapes.

Lift the foliage wires as the new shoots begin to grow vertically up the trellis. Hook the wires onto the interior post hooks so that the shoots are between the two foliage catch wires. The longer the shoots the more they will fall down towards the ground. The foliage catch wires will lift the shoots allowing them to grow in a vertical direction.