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Established Growers
Cotta Vineyard Management and Consulting provides quality assistance for established wine grape growers. We offer full consultation packages for the wine grape grower. Through one-on-one personal site visits, discussions on all areas of management and operations, either on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis, are utilized to optimize the finest wine quality. Independent reports can be arranged for development, information memorandums or general independent reviews on business structure or vineyard operations. Either utilizing the grower's machinery or by tendering to specified contractors the flexibility for growth exists. Budgets are built in consultation with the grower to suit the operation and a commitment to deliver a premium wine grape product to the winery is made.
Budget Construction
A vineyard budget prepared by CVMC that assists investors in optimizing vineyard production and quality with projected returns on investments. Multi-year tonnage goals are established to optimize efficiency for vineyard and winery operations.
Soil compositional analysis
A continual assessment to monitor changes in soil chemistry, biology, and structure is evaluated to provide vineyards with needed amendments for valued fruit and wine quality.
Vine Nutrition
Diagnosis of visual deficiencies with petiole or leaf samples are assessed in addition to vine vigor, to determine how much fertilizer to apply to efficiently maximize yield and quality. Nutrients are applied in required amounts of correct fertilizer through the irrigation system or as granules to ensure sustainable growth rates.
Irrigation/plant and soil moisture monitoring
The latest technology is utilized to determine when and how much water to apply. Early monitoring and analysis can assist in setting a field capacity or upper limit of soil moisture, which is essential in planning irrigation schedules. Using appropriate devices that measure plant and soil moisture, schedules are planned and implemented accordingly.
Pest/disease programs
This component of management is essential and is carried out through professional monitoring throughout the growing season with frequent reports, documentation on findings, and recommendations. CVMC utilizes every effort and resource to establish vineyards with minimal economical loss due to insect or disease pressure. Continual assessment of pest and disease pressure is essential to ensure prevention rather than eradication.
Under vine weed management
Cultivations or herbicide applications are used to prevent weeds from competing for water and nutrients with growing or ripening vines. Slashing grasses for under vine mulching can improve soil temperatures and assist vine growth.
Row middle management
Custom cover crops are selected to control soil erosion, pest and disease pressure, temperature extremes, and vine balance for optimal fruit quality.
Wine grape testing
This area is carried out in conjunction with the contracted winery where T/A, Brix and pH are mapped accordingly to study ripening changes. Testing the crop for ripeness is essential so that the fruit is harvested at its optimum level.
Coordination of harvest/picking dates
Harvest is well planned in coordination with the winery and the grower prior to the event. Timing and logistics are essential to a smooth harvest period.
Research and Experimentation
In conjunction with wineries, experiments are conducted in the field to establish the economical value of future grower practices and their effects on wine quality.
Outsourcing tasks
Whatever task is allocated or planned, tenders or quotes are called for to find the most suitable price for machinery and staff.
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