Linda - I'm in the Kansas City area and I grow some vinifera as well as
hybrids. I would approach your pruning with a pounds of grapes per vine
point of view. My Cab Franc clusters weigh about 1/3 pound each. I'm not
interested in maximizing crop yield. I want to be sure the vines can ripen
their crop so I'm limiting the crop load to about 6 - 8 pounds per vine.
I'll leave about 18 to 24 grape clusters per vine after I'm sure all cold
weather and hail threats are over (I guess you don't have these problems).
You can go crazy counting grape clusters but with 15 vines it shouldn't be a
big deal. See if you can find out what crop loads locals target for with
your grape varieties. The county Extension agent might have some
information. Vintage Nursery or Nova Vine may have good information. Also,
Ernie Bowman over at Kendall Jackson Nursery is very helpful with grape vine
questions.

Bill Frazier
Olathe, Kansas USA


"LSA" > wrote in message
news:TLBde.3023$Fa1.607@fed1read02...
> woodwerks wrote:
>> LSA wrote:
>>
>>> Last weekend I went out to cluster thin as recommended in From Vines
>>> to Wine. I am in Southern California, have about 15 4-yr old Syrah
>>> and Grenache vines on a hillside.