Wire Moving
Definition - What does Wire Moving mean?
Wire moving is an important aspect of shoot positioning and increases effective vine growth as well as vineyard management. The catch wires, usually two or three pairs, which run the length of the planted rows, can be moved by hand or by machine.
The timing of the wire movement is crucial for canopy management and is used to train shoots to grow in an upward facing direction. Wires are moved or added during periods of rapid vine growth and before/after the pruning season.
WineFrog explains Wire Moving
Movable wires have many advantages over fixed wires, as they help the vines attached to the trellis, assist the growth of the vine’s tendrils and catch the shoots in order to help them develop vertically positioned canopies. These wires start below the mid-line of the trellis and as the vine/shoot grows they are moved upward simultaneously to encourage uniform growth. The same wire can be moved throughout the season or other wires can be added on to the trellis system, dependent on the rate of growth and type of vine.
As the vine’s tendrils attach to the trellis, they become heavier and the catch wires assist in keeping the canopy upright and exposed to sunlight. As the season continues the wires are raised, with the top wires reaching a height of 60-70 inches before pruning. During the fall and winter, after pruning and harvesting, the wires are moved back down below the mid-wire but above the cordon wire. By timing the wire moving properly during the season, it can enhance the canopy of the vine, increasing vine yield and reducing the time spent hand positioning the vines.
