WINETECH Technical Yearbook 2020

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PHOTO 2. A 15-year-old Chardonnay vine was cut and exposed to severe brown wood disco- louration.

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PHOTO 4. Vineyards located on slopes of Hawthorne Mountain in Okanagan Falls.

FIELD TRIPS Two field trips were undertaken. The first trip to a well-known estate in West Kelow- na (half-day tour) was very informative, because this was the place where the first grapevine trunk disease infections and seri- ous problems were encountered. Symptom expression in this area, to some extent, is different from most other grape growing areas of the world. External symptoms include stunted shoot growth, compared to otherwise very healthy and vigorous growth observed in healthy plants. These symptoms are not typical of esca (only

season, but is characterised by short, hot growing seasons with semi-desert condi- tions. The unique climate makes for wines that have bright natural acidity along with ripe fruit, with pure and intense flavours. The cold winter temperatures, which can go below -20°C, can cause damage to the vines and care needs to be taken as to where vineyards are planted, not to be exposed to freeze damage. The latter could harm bud break and even cause vines to crack. This is usually a problem when cold snaps occur during late fall when the vines are not yet fully dormant.

PHOTO 3. Vineyards in the Blue Mountain Okanagan Falls Region.

WINETECH TECHNICAL YEARBOOK 2020 45