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Vineyard Underground

Fritz Westover

What if you could hang out with experienced grape growers, ask them about the science of grape growing, vineyard operations, and more; then take an insight or two to improve your vineyard and ultimately the quality of the wines you produce? That's what we do each week on the Vineyard Underground. Hosted by Fritz Westover –– viticulture expert more than 20 years of experience in the vineyard industry –– every episode is an in-depth look at grape growing methods, care, and even complicated matters of fertilization and pest and disease management? The goal is to provide you with an understanding of the complicated aspects of viticulture science so that experienced and even first-time grape growers will be able to understand and implement new practices in their vineyard.

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  • 25 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 48 min
  • English

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  • #91
    February 17 · 56 min

    091: Rare Grape Varieties & Their Wines with Jolie-Laide Wines

    How many incredible grape varieties are hiding in plain sight — simply because they don't fit the modern wine script? We dig into that question in this episode with Jenny and Scott Schultz of Sonoma's Jolie-Laide Wines, a winery built around chasing the unfamiliar and turning "pretty ugly" grapes into seriously compelling wines. We trace how Jenny and Scott's very different paths collided into a shared philosophy: start with great farming, intervene as little as possible, and let each site and vintage tell its own story. For vineyard owners and operators, the conversation opens up a practical discussion about risk, opportunity, and how alternative varieties can make both agronomic and economic sense. We also get inside their cellar to talk about what "minimal intervention" really means — early picking for natural acidity, whole-cluster fermentations, neutral barrels and concrete, and a deliberate refusal to erase vintage character. Even the labels change every year, reinforcing the idea that wine is an agricultural product, not a factory formula. The discussion dives into grapes like Melon de Bourgogne, Trousseau Gris, Scheurebe, and Mondeuse Noir, unpacking how they grow, how they're vinified, and why they deserve a bigger spotlight. It's a conversation about curiosity, craft, and what becomes possible when we stop playing it safe with varieties. In this episode, you will hear: Why Jolie-Laide focuses on rare and overlooked grape varieties Working with growers to graft or plant unconventional grapes Minimal intervention winemaking and whole-cluster fermentations Farming considerations for low-alcohol, high-acid styles Blending, carbonic fermentation, and managing tannin and structure Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Come grow with Fritz through https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout. Today's Guest: Jenny and Scott Schultz are the founders and winemakers for the acclaimed Jolie-Laide Winery in Sonoma, California. Connect with Jenny and Scott: https://jolielaidewines.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jolielaidewines https://www.facebook.com/jolielaidewines/ Episode Sponsor: Today's episode was brought to you by Vintner's Vault and Shellt Grow Tubes. Thank you to Vintner's Vault for sponsoring today's episode! Vintner's Vault is the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers, who are also winemakers. Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order, or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages, and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you. Thank you to Shellt Grow Tubes for sponsoring today's episode. Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders, plus free shipping within the continental United States. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

  • #90
    February 3 · 1 hr 6 min

    090: Old Vines and Argentina's Ungrafted Massale Selection with Dr. Laura Catena

    Some of the world's most valuable vineyard lessons are rooted in vines that predate modern viticulture. In this conversation, we are joined by Dr. Laura Catena to explore Argentina's remarkable legacy of old, ungrafted vines and what they reveal about vine genetics, site expression, and long-term resilience. Drawing on her experience, Dr. Catena explains why phylloxera never devastated many Argentine vineyards and how this unique history allowed ancient vine material to survive. The discussion dives into massale selection from old vines, highlighting why genetic diversity matters — especially as vineyard owners contend with climate stress, disease pressure, and the limits of clonal uniformity. We also examine the role of Argentina's high-altitude growing regions and how elevation influences vine physiology, flavor development, and vineyard health. These extreme sites have become a living laboratory for research, helping match plant material to specific conditions and improving long-term vineyard performance. Dr. Catena shares information from the Catena Institute of Wine's ongoing research and how data-driven approaches can elevate both vineyard decisions and wine quality. For growers managing heritage blocks or considering massale selection in new plantings, this episode offers a compelling blend of history, science, and practical guidance — showing how preserving the past can be a powerful strategy for building the vineyards of the future. In this episode, you will hear: Why Argentina has some of the world's oldest ungrafted vineyards The role of massale selection in preserving genetic diversity How old vines contribute to resilience and site expression The impact of altitude and climate on vine health and quality Applying research-driven insights to modern vineyard management Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: Come grow with Fritz through https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout. Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Today's Guest: Dr. Laura Catena is a Harvard University graduate with a Medical Doctor degree from Stanford University. She is a fourth-generation Argentine vintner at the award-winning Bodega Catena Zapata, a passionate vineyard researcher, a practicing part-time emergency medicine physician, and an author. And, in 1995, she founded the Catena Institute of Wine with the vision of making Argentine wines that could stand with the best wines in the world. Bodega Catena Zapata: Website - https://catenazapata.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/catenawines/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/CatenaMalbec Catena Institute of Wine: Website - https://www.catenainstitute.com/ X - https://x.com/CatenaScience Dr Laura Catena: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lauracatenamd/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-laura-catena-054987195/ Books - https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B005H53YWY?ccs_id=4d0248ba-4f00-4c70-b68f-daf91c441439 Episode Sponsor: Today's episode was brought to you by Sunridge Nurseries and Bahco. Thank you to Sunridge Nurseries for sponsoring today's episode. Sunridge Nurseries is the exclusive nursery sponsor of the Vineyard Underground podcast. They have been a family-owned company for over 45 years, and their dedicated focus on quality and consistency has grown them into the largest supplier of grapevines in both North and South America and the industry leader in nursery standards. Visit them today at SunridgeNurseries.com and mention the code Underground to receive a podcast listener discount on your vine order. Thank you to Bahco Tools for sponsoring today's episode. As innovators for more than 165 years, Bahco has introduced the most advanced tools in the world, and Bahco products are manufactured in factories across Europe. I exclusively prune with the Bahco ERGO™ Bypass Secateurs with Elastomer Coated Fixed Handle (size medium). Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with loppers, hedging tools, cutting blades, files, and more. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

  • #89
    January 20 · 39 min

    089: Red Flags for Planting a Vineyard with Dr. Mark Greenspan

    Planting a vineyard is a major investment, and the decisions made before the first vine goes into the ground can determine long-term success or costly failure. In this episode, Fritz sits down with renowned viticulture expert Dr. Mark Greenspan to unpack the most common red flags vineyard owners and operators should watch for when planning a new planting. Drawing on more than three decades of scientific research and hands-on field experience, Dr. Greenspan explains why many vineyard problems originate long before planting day. Fritz and Dr. Greenspan also discuss the dangers of relying on assumptions or neighboring vineyard performance instead of site-specific data and professional evaluation. Listeners will learn why thorough pre-plant assessments — including soil testing, climate analysis, and thoughtful rootstock and variety selection — are essential risk management tools rather than optional steps. This episode is especially valuable for growers considering new vineyard development, replanting existing blocks, or expanding acreage. By understanding these early warning signs, listeners can make more informed decisions, avoid expensive mistakes, and set their vineyards up for sustainable productivity and profitability. In this episode, you will hear: Common red flags that signal potential vineyard failure before planting Why site-specific soil and climate data matter more than assumptions Risks of poor variety and rootstock selection The long-term cost of cutting corners during vineyard planning Practical steps to reduce risk and improve vineyard performance Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: Register for Fritz's FREE live virtual pruning event, Snip Happens: Pruning Mistakes & Fixes on January 29th at noon Central, and make sure you and your team can spot, fix, and avoid pruning mistakes this season. If you're starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, visit VirtualViticulureAcademy.com/growsmart to get Fritz's online Prospective Winegrape Grower Course to help you get your vineyard planned and planted correctly from the start. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to save $89.00 as a thank you for being a podcast listener. If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Today's Guest: Mark Greenspan is a viticulture expert with 3 decades of scientific, technical, and field experience. He is a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA), Certified Professional Agronomist (CPAg), and licensed Pest Control Advisor (PCA) in California and the founder of Advanced Viticulture, a leading vineyard services company in California. Learn more about Advanced Viticulture or connect with Mark: https://advancedvit.com/ https://www.instagram.com/advanced_viticulture/ Episode Sponsor: Today's episode was brought to you by HydroGeo Environmental and Bahco Tools. Thank you to HydroGeo Environmental for sponsoring today's episode. For over 20 years, Bubba Beasley and his team have helped vineyard growers with site assessments, mapping, soil and groundwater evaluations, and optimal vineyard layouts. Using the latest technology and industry expertise, HydroGeo brings clarity to even the most complex landscapes. Visit HydroGeoEnvironmental.com and mention the Vineyard Underground podcast for a special discount on your service. Thank you to Bahco Tools for sponsoring today's episode. As innovators for more than 165 years, Bahco has introduced the most advanced tools in the world, and Bahco products are manufactured in factories across Europe. I exclusively prune with the Bahco ERGO™ Bypass Secateurs with Elastomer Coated Fixed Handle (size medium). Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with loppers, hedging tools, cutting blades, files, and more. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

  • #88
    January 6 · 32 min

    088: Pruning Q&A with Fritz Westover

    Pruning is one of the most influential decisions vineyard owners and operators make each season, and in this solo Q&A episode, Fritz tackles the most common — and most misunderstood — questions he hears in the field. Drawing on hands-on experience, Fritz walks listeners through the practical realities of dormant pruning, why it matters far beyond vine appearance, and how pruning choices directly impact vine balance, yield, and long-term vineyard health. Throughout the episode, Fritz addresses real-world concerns from growers, including how aggressive pruning should be, what mistakes show up most often in young versus mature vineyards, and how to adapt pruning strategies to site conditions and vine vigor. Fritz explains how pruning windows can influence bud burst and frost risk, and why "earlier is always better" isn't necessarily true. He highlights warning signs that a vineyard may be over- or under-pruned and offers guidance for adjusting course before problems compound over multiple seasons. This episode is particularly valuable for vineyard owners who want to move beyond rote pruning rules and better understand the "why" behind their pruning decisions. By the end, listeners will have clearer expectations for what good pruning should accomplish and how small, intentional changes can pay dividends in vine performance and fruit quality over time. In this episode, you will hear: Pruning decisions directly influence vine balance, yield, and longevity Over-pruning and under-pruning both create long-term vineyard challenges Timing of pruning can affect bud break and frost exposure Vine vigor should guide pruning intensity, not habits or tradition Small adjustments made consistently can improve vineyard performance Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Free Pruning Events: January 15th at 5 PM Central - Cut with Confidence, Not Consequences – Register here: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/cut-with-confidence/ January 29th at 12:00 PM Central - Snip Happens: Pruning Mistakes and Fixes – Register here: https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/product/snip-happens/ Episode Sponsor: Today's episode was brought to you by HydroGeo Environmental and SensorInsight. Thank you to HydroGeo Environmental for sponsoring today's episode. For over 20 years, Bubba Beasley and his team have helped vineyard growers with site assessments, mapping, soil and groundwater evaluations, and optimal vineyard layouts. Using the latest technology and industry expertise, HydroGeo brings clarity to even the most complex landscapes. Visit HydroGeoEnvironmental.com and mention the Vineyard Underground podcast for a special discount on your service. Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today's episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don't forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

  • #87
    Dec 23, 2025 · 57 min

    087: Mothballing a Vineyard - What Growers Need to Know with Dr. Christopher Chen

    A topic that many growers consider but few understand is mothballing a vineyard. In this episode, Fritz covers it all with Dr. Christopher Chen, Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension. With economic pressures, market shifts, and operational challenges affecting vineyard owners across the industry, temporarily idling a vineyard can feel like a practical option — but it comes with important agronomic, legal, and financial considerations. Dr. Chen brings a research-based, boots-on-the-ground perspective to the conversation, helping listeners understand what "mothballing" actually means in a vineyard context. Rather than a simple shutdown, he explains that mothballing requires intentional planning to preserve vine health, soil integrity, and long-term viability. Real-world questions growers are asking get answered, such as when mothballing makes sense, how long a vineyard can remain idle, and what minimum maintenance is required to avoid costly problems down the line. Dr. Chen also highlights common mistakes growers make when they cut corners too aggressively, and how those decisions can significantly increase restart costs later. Listeners will walk away with a clearer framework for evaluating whether mothballing is the right strategy for their operation, along with guidance on how to do it responsibly if they choose that path. In this episode, you will hear: What "mothballing" a vineyard really involves Situations where mothballing may make economic sense Minimum maintenance practices to protect vine health Risks related to pests, disease, and vineyard infrastructure How mothballing decisions impact future restart costs Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: Register for Fritz's FREE live virtual pruning event, Cut with Confidence, Not Consequences, on January 15th at 5 PM Central, and make sure you and your crew are ready for a successful 2026 pruning season. If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Today's Guest: Dr Christopher Chen is an Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor for the University of California Cooperative Extension. Connect or follow Chris - https://christopherclchen.neocities.org/ Episode Sponsor: Today's episode was brought to you by Clemens Technologies and SensorInsight. Thank you to Clemens Technologies for sponsoring today's episode. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions. Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today's episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don't forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

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