Training Grape Vines by Pruning

Prune grapes late in the dormant season (winter), generally in February or March. This ensures that the grapes are not harmed by winter weather and encourages new growth when spring begins.

Cut away all but the most vigorous canes before the second growing season. Trim the canes you decide to keep so that they align with one of the wires or bars of your trellis system and tie them into place, to encourage them to grow along this wire.

Remove all but two canes growing from the main stem at each wire before the third growing season. Each cane should contain three to four buds for maximum growth potential. Tie these canes horizontally to their nearest wires, and tie the top of each main trunk to its nearest wire as well.

Select a single, fruiting cane along each wire prior to the fourth growing season and prune away all other canes. Cutting away extra canes if they are producing some fruit allows for more energy and nutrients to go to the strongest fruiting canes.