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.
Vineyard Underground
Claim This Podcastby Fritz Westover
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Podcast Overview
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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Publishing Since
10/6/2022
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Recent Episodes
May 26, 2026
098: 3 Overlooked Vineyard Management Tasks that Pay Big Dividends
Fritz, a viticulture expert, reveals three often-overlooked vineyard management tasks that significantly boost vine health and fruit quality.
May 12, 2026
097: Fritz Reviews Reddit Viticulture Advice
<p dir="ltr">We are back with another solo episode! Fritz dives into the world of Reddit viticulture advice to separate helpful guidance from misleading recommendations. Using real vineyard and winemaking questions pulled from Reddit threads, Fritz evaluates the quality of the responses while adding his own professional perspective.</p> <p dir="ltr">The episode covers a wide range of vineyard topics, but throughout it, Fritz highlights an important lesson for growers at every level: context matters. Many online answers contain kernels of truth, but successful vineyard management depends on site conditions, climate, soil, vine age, regional disease pressure, and long-term goals. He explains why broad internet advice often lacks the specificity growers actually need to make confident decisions.</p> <p dir="ltr">Listeners will come away with a fresh perspective on vineyard establishment, irrigation management, pruning strategies, disease prevention, and realistic expectations for small-scale winegrowing projects.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>In this episode, you will hear:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Establishing vineyards in cool climates like the UK and Northern Europe</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">PIWI grape varieties and disease-resistant planting strategies</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Realistic timelines for vineyard establishment and first harvests</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Challenges of starting and managing a small hobby vineyard</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Irrigation management for young vines during extreme summer heat</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Reviving neglected Frontenac and Edelweiss vineyards in the Midwest</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Follow and Review:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Resources:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">If you're starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, visit <a href= "https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/growsmart">https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/growsmart</a> 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 <strong>PODCAST</strong> at checkout to save $89.99 as a thank you for being a podcast listener.</p> <p dir="ltr">Get more information from Fritz about soil moisture sensors – types of sensors, location and placement, installation, and understanding soil monitoring data at <a href= "https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/sensor">https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/sensor</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Have a vineyard question? Go to <a href= "http://vineyardundergroundpodcast.com">VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com</a> and click the <strong>Ask Fritz</strong> button.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Episode Sponsor:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Today's episode was brought to you by <strong>Vintner's Vault</strong> and <strong>Vigneron Toy Store</strong>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Thank you to Vintner's Vault for sponsoring today's episode! <strong>Vintner's Vault i</strong>s the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers, who are also winemakers. Visit <a href= "http://thevintnervault.com">TheVintnerVault.com</a> and use the code <strong>UNDERGROUND5</strong> (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. </p> <p dir="ltr">Thank you to <strong>Vigneron Toy Store</strong> for sponsoring today's episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code <strong>Underground</strong> on the contact form at <a href= "http://vignerontoystore.com">vignerontoystore.com</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Episode Credits</strong></p> <p>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 <a href= "https://emeraldcitypro.com/">https://emeraldcitypro.com</a>. Let them know we sent you.</p>
April 28, 2026
096: Do Plant Growth Regulators Have a Place in Winegrapes with Dr. Matthew Fidelibus
<p dir="ltr">Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are powerful tools that can dramatically influence vine performance, but they also come with complexity and risk. In this episode, Fritz welcomes back Dr. Matthew W. Fidelibus of UC Davis to explore how these compounds are used across table, raisin, and wine grape production.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dr. Fidelibus explains that PGRs include both naturally occurring plant hormones and synthetic compounds that mimic hormonal effects. While they've long been foundational in table grape production, their use in winegrapes is far less common and more nuanced. The conversation highlights how sensitivity to timing, rate, and variety is critical, with even small misapplications potentially affecting fruit set, bud development, or yields across multiple seasons.</p> <p dir="ltr">Fritz and Dr. Fidelibus dig into specific compounds like gibberellic acid, abscisic acid, and ethephon, discussing how they can influence berry size, cluster architecture, color development, and ripening. They also explore emerging research on improving color in virus-affected vineyards, delaying ripening in warm climates, and even modifying aroma profiles.</p> <p dir="ltr">A key takeaway is that PGRs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They require careful evaluation, regulatory compliance, and, ideally, small-scale trials before broader use. For growers facing challenges like poor fruit set, uneven ripening, or compact clusters, these tools may offer targeted solutions — but only when used with precision and a strong understanding of vine physiology.</p> <p dir="ltr">Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of both the potential and the pitfalls of incorporating PGRs into vineyard management.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>In this episode, you will hear:</strong></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Overview of plant growth regulators and how they influence vine physiology</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Historical use of PGRs in table and raisin grape production</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Key compounds like gibberellic acid, abscisic acid, and ethephon</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Applications for cluster thinning, berry sizing, and color development</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Challenges and risks of using PGRs in winegrapes</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Emerging research, including virus mitigation and ripening control</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Follow and Review:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">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.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Resources:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Come grow with Fritz through <a href= "https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com">https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com</a>! Save <strong>$75 off</strong> your first year of membership with the code <strong>Underground</strong> at checkout.</p> <p dir="ltr">Have a vineyard question? Go to <a href= "http://vineyardundergroundpodcast.com">VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com</a> and click the <strong>Ask Fritz</strong> button.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Today's Guest:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Dr. Matthew W. Fidelibus is an extension specialist in the Department of Viticulture and Enology, UC Davis. </p> <p dir="ltr">Connect with Matthew and view his research – <a href= "https://wineserver.ucdavis.edu/people/matthew-fidelibus#/">https://wineserver.ucdavis.edu/people/matthew-fidelibus#/</a> or follow him at <a href= "https://bsky.app/profile/viticulture.bsky.social">https://bsky.app/profile/viticulture.bsky.social</a> </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Episode Sponsor:</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Today's episode was brought to you by <strong>Clemens Technologies</strong> and <strong>Sunridge Nurseries.</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Thank you to <strong>Clemens Technologies</strong> for sponsoring today's episode. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit <a href= "https://www.clemens-online.com/us/">https://www.clemens-online.com/us/</a> and provide the code <strong>UNDERGROUND</strong> to receive <strong>5% off</strong> your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at <a href= "mailto:thomas@clemens-america.com">thomas@clemens-america.com</a> with any questions.</p> <p dir="ltr">Thank you to <strong>SensorInsight</strong> 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 <a href= "https://sensorinsight.io">https://sensorinsight.io</a>. And don't forget to mention the code <strong>Underground</strong> to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Episode Credits</strong></p> <p>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 <a href= "https://emeraldcitypro.com/">https://emeraldcitypro.com</a>. Let them know we sent you.</p>
99 total episodes available with 3 transcripts
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