Pruning Workshop - Date Changed to March 20th

Join us for a vineyard pruning workshop on March 20th at Petoskey Farms Vineyard and Winery at 9am. Derrick Vogel, vineyard manager at Petoskey Farms will be leading this workshop, focused on the fundamentals of vineyard pruning. You can expect to learn:

• The influence of trellis system design on pruning
• The anatomy of grapevines and its implications for pruning
• The concepts and goals of proper vineyard pruning
• Pruning strategies for vines of various ages
• How to assess winter bud damage and its implications for pruning decisions

After Derrick covers these topics, we'll spend some hands-on time applying this knowledge in a pruning session. Get some tips from Derrick and other experienced vineyard managers to help develop good pruning habits.

The workshop will last approximately three hours. Please dress according to the weather and if possible, bring a pair of clean pruners (we can provide pruners, if needed).

The cost is $10 for current SAGGA members and $15 for non-members (you can join here), payable at the workshop. Should there be inclement weather on March 19th, we will send out a notice of a reschedule date - tentatively March 20th at 9am.

A little about Derrick...

Derrick Vogel has been the vineyard manager at Petoskey Farms Vineyard and Winery since 2019. Derrick and his wife own Phenology Vine Care, a small vineyard management business, and are starting their own winery, Folklor Wine and Cider. Derrick found his way to viticulture after a ten year career performing diagnostic testing in healthcare laboratories. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in clinical laboratory science and a Master’s degree in healthcare administration. Derrick completed a two year viticulture and winemaking apprenticeship in November 2020, including coursework through the Viticulture & Enology Science & Technology (VESTA) program. Derrick is driven by the challenge of growing in the Tip of the Mitt. He is currently managing close to 30 acres in the Tip of the Mitt and plans to be growing 25-35 acres of grapevines, apples and pear trees at his Folklor site in Charlevoix. Derrick is passionate about wine from all over the world but is especially drawn to wines grown and produced in Michigan.