Grape Vine Netting Guide for the Winery

Introduction

Grape vines need protection from birds and other animals that can ruin a grape crop.
When the grapes are ready to ripen, the bird will do everything possible to get the food.
Nets are put over the vineyard netting to keep the animals out so the grapes can be harvested.
This is the most effective way to deter birds and pests from grapevines. Many different types of grapevine netting are available, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs.

This guide will help you choose the best grapevine nets for your winery.

Types of GrapeVine Netting

What is vineyard netting?

Your vineyard will be destroyed by flocks of hungry birds when the grapes are faster ripening. Grapevine net is a kind of screen that is placed over grapevines to keep birds and animals out. It is important to choose the right type of fruit tree netting because different types of netting have different levels of protection. The most common type of grapevine protection netting is made from High-density polyethylene. This type of netting is lightweight and easy to install. It is also very affordable.

Different types of netting

There are 3 types of vineyard netting in the market.

Each has its pros and cons, depending on the type of installation.

Vineyard Drape Net

Also can be called Over Row Netting.

In the United States, the Vineyard drape net is a traditionally used netting. Depending on its width, it covers one or multiple rows of grapevines.

The material is either extruded black plastic or woven mesh.

Pros：

The nets are easy to install because there is no need for an extra support structure.

Cons：

However, this kind of vineyard net has some problems.
This net is only for seasonal use.

After several weeks of protection, the leaves, branches, and tendrils penetrate through the mesh. As a result, it is really difficult to remove at the end of a season.

Vineyard Side Net

Australia and New Zealand are very popular with vinefruit nets that cover just part of the vinefruit region. These types of networks are increasingly used in eastern countries nowadays.

Pros:

Unlike the drape nets that needed to cover an entire row, these vineyard side nets only cover two sides of the single row. So they are easy to use and save.

They are even cheaper than the traditional net.

It also has other advantages. Its removal is very simple. Some side nets can be rolled up with clips and left in the vineyard all year.

Cons:

This net is also for seasonal use, not permanent.

Vineyard Overhead Netting / Vineyard Canopy

Overhead Netting is a new method of protecting vineyards.

It requires the posts to be installed first, then the wires are attached from one post to another. The netting is then fixed to the frame, just like a roof.

For this type of vineyard netting, the posts need to be 12 inches or more above the grapevine.

If this net is installed in the original vineyard, extensions can be added to the old posts so that the wires are about 8 feet above the ground or 12 inches above the grapevines.

Pros:

This is a kind of permanent use of the netting.

Once installed, it can be used for years without dismantling.

 One advantage of this type of netting is that it acts like a large shed, and the tractor or truck can drive into the vineyard under the canopy.

The net will not interfere with humans’ usual daily work. The growers have enough space to carry out any operation inside, such as mowing, spraying, harvesting grape berries, or removing branches.

Cors:

Permanent supports must be installed, which would initially cost more than the other two types of nets.

In addition, it requires a higher quality net – 60 grams or more.

Related stories

Gerald started using Vineyard drape nets many years ago, but they had many problems. The removal of these nets damaged many of the vine branches, and branches also tore the netting. Last year, Gerald started using Vineyard side nets, and he is now happy to say that he no longer has problems with branch damage in his vineyard.

Another story is about John. His family has been in the grape business for over 50 years. They have always used Vineyard drape nets, but they were becoming increasingly difficult to find.
So, John decided to try the new Vineyard overhead netting in his vineyard last year.
After using it for one season, he was pleased with the results and has decided to use this netting in all his vineyards.

As you can see, many different types of grapevine netting are available on the market today. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. It would be best to decide which grapevine net suits your vineyard.

How to choose the suitable netting？

Ensuring you have the right vineyard netting for your needs is essential.
Choosing the suitable vineyard netting is better based on the prevent target in your orchards.

Selection according to the requirements and scenarios of protection

Anti Bird damage

A diamond mesh is a better option to keep birds away from your plants. As the name implies, it has a diamond-shaped structure.

There are many advantages to using it. The spread of this cloth can reach a width of 20-24 meters when unfolded.

Diamond mesh typically weighs 35-40 grams, making it a very light and cheap material.

Anti-bee or Japanese beetles

A vineyard net is also commonly used for bee protection, so a rectangle or triangle mesh net would be most appropriate.

They have rectangular and triangular mesh holes, respectively. The mesh size of these two kinds is smaller than that of the diamond mesh.

Triangular nets are usually recommended because they have thicker monofilaments and are more robust. A triangular mesh netting, for instance, has twice the tensile strength of a rectangle mesh netting.

Selection according to the color of the grapevine netting

The most common colors are black and white net, but green and red are also available.

The choice of netting color should take into account the growth habits of the grape plant, as well as the surrounding environment. A light-colored net should be chosen if you want the grapevine to receive more sunlight. If you want more shade, then a dark-colored net would be better.

Colored nets have an impact on the yield and quality

The color of the grapevine cloth will also affect the quality of the grapes to some extent.

The various colors of the nets have different spectral screening effects.

Using the different color netting, defined spectral bands of solar radiation are selectively screened out while transforming direct light into scattered or diffuse light. Spectral manipulation specifically promotes desired physiological responses. At the same time, the light scattering improves the penetration of the spectrally modified light into the inner plant canopy, thus increasing the efficiency of light-dependent processes.

Several traits respond to photoselective signals, including fruit set, harvest time, yield, size, color, and internal and external quality.

A study has been carried out on three colors (pearl white, red, and black) of grape nets. In addition to improving microclimate conditions, three nets reduced grape sugar and alcohol content. It was found that the red and pearl nets significantly enhanced the aroma and taste of wine compared to the black net. 

Colored nets Reduce bacterial and fungal pathogens

The colors themselves also affect birds or insects. Yellow, for example, has an attractive effect on insects, while red causes them to fear and leave.

These nets have also been shown to block bacterial and fungal pathogens through anti-insect.

By preventing insects from entering the net, the possibility of insects carrying bacteria and fungi infecting the vines is reduced.

When to use vineyard netting?

Grapevine cloth should be used during the grape-growing season (in mid-spring). It is typically placed over the vineyard when the grapes start to ripen, usually in July or August.

Putting on bird netting before the fruit is ripe would be a good idea. Otherwise, birds and pests will flock to the fruit once they smell it.

Accessories to install bird netting

How to roll up bird netting and remove vineyard?

Roll it up and store the grape vine netting safely when removing it.

To remove the vineyard netting, follow these steps:

1. Use a ladder to reach the grapevine.

2. Cut the vineyard netting with wire cutters.

3. Remove the vineyard netting from the grape vines.

4. Roll up the grapevine netting and store it in a safe place.

Be sure to clean them before removing the netting so that no pests or diseases are brought into the vineyard when you use it the following year.

How long does it last?

Grapevine netting can last for many years if it is properly cared for. Be sure to inspect the vineyard regularly and repair any holes or tears in the netting. With proper care, it can last for more than five growing seasons.

The vineyard netting we use is made of a special kind of plastic called high-density polyethylene. This kind of material has extremely high strength and can adapt to all kinds of harsh outdoor environments. In addition, special UV stabilizers will be added according to the local climate in the production process, which will ensure that these grape nets are competent for their work lasting more than five years.

It’s also strong enough to withstand strong winds and can be used for long-term applications.

Some factors that can shorten the life span of your vineyard netting include:

-Vandalism (e.g., cutting)

-Extreme weather conditions (e.g., hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.)

– Animals breaking through or chewing on it

How much is the Grapevine net?

When looking at the various grape nets, you should also be very interested in the prices, which we will provide as a reference.

Vineyard dropped bird netting

The cost of using this type of net is about 1500-2500 per acre and is guaranteed for 5 years under normal conditions.

Vineyard side netting cost, vineyard zone netting

When buying such nets, you need to spend 2000-3000 per acre. These nets have likewise been available for approximately 5 years.

Vineyard overhead bird netting

This net type is slightly more expensive than the other two due to its better quality and higher thickness. The price is around 2500-3500 per acre.

But this kind of netting is of better quality and therefore lasts longer – about 8 years.

The grape netting price for large projects is usually lower.

In addition, the grape netting cost will be affected by other factors, such as the quality of the grape nets and the size of the project.

If you want more specific information about this, please contact us, and we will provide you with a detailed quotation.

Where to buy wine grape netting？

There are several places you can buy wine grape netting. First, the manufacturer’s website is always the best place to purchase grape bird netting because you can get the product directly from the source usually at a lower price.

Second, online retailers like Amazon and eBay are great places to buy grape netting. These retailers typically have a wide selection and usually offer competitive prices.

Third, local garden and home improvement stores are good places to buy grape netting. These stores typically have a limited selection but usually offer competitive prices.

However, the most economical place to buy is from the manufacturer. EyouAgro offers the highest quality materials at highly affordable prices, so we’ll have something for you no matter what kind of vineyard you have.

We offer a wide selection of high-quality and durable materials for operation of any size. We are happy to answer any questions you might have about our products or what would work best for your needs.

Top 10 Vineyard bird netting suppliers

FAQs

Why does a winery put netting on grapevines?

This is a question some people ask when they pass by wineries.

The winery puts netting over grapevines to protect them from hungry birds and other animals. When the grapes are ready to ripen, birds, bees, or bats will try to get to the food. Nets help keep birds out so that the grapes can be harvested.

Does hot weather affect grape yields？

The impact of hot weather on grape yields has been debated for many years. There is evidence that hot weather can cause grapes to become more watery and less flavorful, but the research is still inconclusive.

One study found that grapes grown under hot conditions had higher sugar content than those grown under more excellent conditions. This may be due to increased grape photosynthesis rates, which could lead to increased sugar production. However, this would only be true if flavor and aroma had no adverse effects.

Another study found that while the amount of water in the fruit was not affected by temperature, the concentrations of polyphenols were lower when temperatures were high. Polyphenols give the wine flavor and aroma and are essential for extracting color from skins during fermentation. These findings suggest that temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit may hurt grape yield quality because they cause more water loss in fruits but do not increase sugar production enough to compensate for this loss.

Does the time of picking in warm weather affect the quality of the wine？

In the wine industry, picking is collecting grapes from the vineyard. The time of picking can have a significant effect on the quality of the wine.

In general, grapes are picked when they reach full ripeness and their sugar content has peaked. This helps ensure that the resulting wine will be high in sugar content and taste sweet.

In warm weather, however, picking grapes at just the right moment is crucial—not too early or too late. If you pick them too early, they’ll be underripe and have a more bitter flavor than desired. If you wait too long, they’ll be overripe and lose much sugar content, resulting in a less sweet-tasting wine.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a vineyard net is a great way to protect your plants from birds and other animals. It can last for many years if properly cared for. The cost of grapevine net varies depending on the type of grapevine netting you choose and where you purchase it, but it is generally very affordable. When selecting grape vine netting, be sure to consider the climate in which your farm will be grown and the specific needs of your plants.

EyouAgro is one of China’s leading grape vine netting manufacturers with over 20 years of experience.

If you have any questions about purchasing netting products or their installation, please contact us. Our netting experts will be happy to help you.