Took a walk to clear my head then google some help!
I’m sure some of the grapes may have been taken by birds, but after looking around on the ground I see evidence of who took the majority of the grapes. Raccoons! All I did by putting on the netting, was give them a great way to climb up the vines (nets) and reach through to grab the grapes. Now that all the grapes are gone, the only thing left to protect are the muscadines. They are just beginning veraison. Looks like I need to come up with a way to protect against them. Quick searches show electric fences are a good deterrent. Here are some pics of the Muscadine that I plan to protect!
These are Black Beauty muscadine.
Nobel muscadine below.
I’ve been robbed! Maybe I’m not cut out for farming!!!
I cleaned my picking bins, and was ready to pick the Black Spanish grapes, but as I walked up I noticed something. ALL the grapes were gone! WTH! I put up the netting! Where did they go! I don’t see any feathers or other clues that thousands of birds must have had a feast at my expense.
Preventing the birds from getting these grapes
The birds got all the Lomanto grapes, so I’m going to put the bird nets on the Black Spanish.
The nets are on! They still might be able to get to some of them, but hopefully I can protect the majority. Tucked and pined nice and neatly on the bottom so they can’t get in that way.
Black Spanish grapes getting close
The brix is only 15, but color is looking good. I’m hoping the brix will get up to at least 20, but this is the first year of fruiting. These vines were three years old when I got them, with great root systems. Second year in the vineyard. I tried to limit the fruit this year to only 2-3 bunches per vine, but as you can see, more grew on some vines.
The Birds the Birds…
I was so looking forward to testing the sugar levels in the Lomanto grapes today, but the birds beat me to it. I only let a few bunches grow this year, but all were stripped clean. Here is what was left…
Black Spanish Grapes Starting veraison!
Black Spanish starting to change just a bit (2 berries in this cluster).
Pulled many leaves so air can circulate better and sun can reach the grapes and wood for next years crop.
Most vines have made the trip down both sides of the wire (3-4′ both sides of the trunk). The ends have been snipped off so the shoots/canes for next year’s growth will grow in the middle of the cordon.
Black Spanish and Lomanto Grape updates
Lomanto (left) are looking nice. Brix of 15 so far. No color change on Black Spanish (right). Much smaller berries but large clusters.
Lomanto Grapes going through veraison (onset of ripening)
Lomanto grapes starting to ripen!
Removed the growth tubes today and trimmed all the suckers and random growth from vines. Most of the new vines have all reached the top wire and have been snipped just above the wire. Two laterals heading down each side of the wire.
Nobel Muscadines are doing well.
Water Leak in Drip Irrigation
Some of the new vines weren’t looking that great with the tendrils stunted and not leading the shoot growth. Clear sign the plant isn’t getting enough water. After a quick test found a leak on the low pressure side of the plumbing. Bet the tractor hit the cover and caused the issue. Hour later, we were back up running good again.
Blue Berries are Ready
Koda and I picked some Blue berries today. Second year plants and producing pretty good.
Before and After
Lasterday Wines 
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