High-trellis Cordon System for Grapevine Growing

High-Cordon Trellis Training

• A high-cordon trellis has a top wire that is usually at least 48 inches above the ground. The vine is trained to grow to the top wire. A "cordon" of a grapevine is a selected main branch that grows directly from the vine's trunk. In a high-cordon system, the cordon is trained along the highest wire on the trellis, and its branches and grape bunches are allowed to hang below it. Additional wires may be present between the cordon and the ground to allow for securing of branches and to help prevent wind damage.

Cultivars

• In order for the high-cordon system to work, The plant must be a cultivar of a naturally drooping or hanging species. Typically, American varieties such as Concord grapes, and American-French hybrids such as Niagara are grown in this fashion. Varieties that have woody vines that prefer growing straight up, such as Chelois and Vignoles, will struggle against a high-cordon system, and may be killed or damaged.

Ease of Maintenance

• The high-cordon system of trellising grapevines enables a gardener or vineyard owner to easily inspect vines for damage, disease and pests. Pruning of vines is a simple affair, as at the end of each season the gardener can simply snip the vine back to its cordon for overwintering. The system also ensures that vines and grape bunches are up off the ground, out of the reach of most vermin.

Improved Crop Yield

• The high-cordon system improves airflow around the vine, and allows more sunlight to reach the vine than is possible with other growing systems, such as overlapping in pergolas or arbors. Increased sunlight means more fruit yield per vine, and better airflow enables a vineyard to use less pesticide and fungicide per season, reducing cost and improving fruit quality.