How to Trim Arbor-Grown Wine Grapevines

Wine grapevines are often grown on arbors, which provide a focal point and plant support system at the same time. The key to growing grapes on an arbor is to refrain from pruning at all until late winter of the first growing year, so the grapevines can establish a strong root system. After this, it is important to maintain a well-timed pruning regimen.

Bypass pruners
Plant ties

Instructions

- 1
  Tie the grapevine cane loosely to the arbor's support posts as it grows so the grapevine can train upwards the arbor. Allow your grapevine to grow with no pruning at all for the first growing season.
- 2
  Distinguish the strongest looking cane on the grapevine once the first winter is underway. Prune all the other growth away except for this cane.
- 3
  Cut back dead or broken canes or vines only in the spring of the second year. Choose the strongest canes coming from either side of the main cane. Cut back all growth except for these two side canes and the main trunk.
- 4
  Trim back all side shoots that grow outwards from the basic framework on the wine grapevine during the winter of the second year.
- 5
  Trim back only dead or broken foliage and persistent side shoots in the summer of the third year.
- 6
  Prune back the two side branches during the third winter, leaving 12 buds on each branch (renewal buds, which produce the grapes).
- 7
  Trim the arbor-grown wine grapevines in this manner every growing season, but instead of leaving only 12 renewal buds, leave an extra bud on the tips of the canes every year, leading to the growth of the grapevine and more grape production.

How to Grow Concord Grapes from Seed

The Best Fertilizer for Grapes

Growing Grapes