When should I place my order for dormant vines, to get an exact combination of variety, clone and rootstock?

Orders should be placed approximately 14 to 18 months in advance of your anticipated delivery date.

Why is so much time required for dormant vines?

Dormant vines are made in the winter months and planted in our field nursery, where they are grown for one complete season before we dig and ship them to you. For example, if you place an order in December of 2018, your dormant vines would be grafted in January or February of 2019 and be ready to ship for planting in your field by Spring of 2020.

When is the best time to order potted vines?

As with dormants, the more time provided the better are the chances that we will have the material to produce the variety you require for your planting project.

How long do potted vines take to make?

Potted vines take between 14-16 weeks from graft date to delivery. Factors that can affect this timing are variety, clone, rootstock and weather.

What is the difference between a potted vine and a holdover potted vine?

Potted vines are produced in the same year that they are planted. When a potted vine is held over to the following year, it would then be referred to as a holdover potted vine.

What is the optimum time to plant dormant vines?

Dormant vines are most successful when planted from January through May. It is possible to have a successful planting after May, but it is not recommended unless you have experience with late season planting. 

What is the optimum time to plant potted vines?

Potted vines are recommended for planting between May and July, but can be planted successfully into the fall.

How often should I water my newly planted dormant vines?

Dormant vines need to be watered immediately after planting to eliminate air pockets around the root zone. The watering schedule after that will be dependent upon your location, soil type, time of year and weather. It is important to note that overwatering is just as detrimental to vine health and establishment as underwatering.

How often should I water my newly planted potted vines?

Potted vines are usually planted during the hotter months and will require water immediately at planting time and frequent short irrigations after planting. Watering frequency and duration will vary by location, soil type, time of year and weather. As with dormant vines, overwatering is just as detrimental to vine health and establishment as underwatering. It is important that water is applied to the immediate root zone.

When will my vines start producing fruit?

Most varieties will produce fruit in their 3rd year after planting and will be in full production by year 5. This will vary by region and variety.

What is your delivery Lead Time?

We ask that you give us at least 2 weeks prior to your desired planting date so that transportation can be arranged. Mid-February through May are our busiest times and may require a little more time.

Can I pick up my vines at the nursery?

If you can give us at least a three-day notice, we can accommodate customer pick-ups at the nursery.

Will you automatically ship my order when it is ready in the spring?

We will NOT ship any order until it is requested by the customer.

How do I handle the dormant vines upon delivery?

Please review the planting instructions printed on our shipping box, refer to our web site or contact your sales representative with any questions.

I opened the boxes and noticed that the vines have already started to bud out. Do I need to handle them differently?

It is a good sign if the vines are starting to bud, and this is what you should look for prior to spring planting to ensure that the vines are emerging from dormancy before planting. You should handle them carefully to avoid knocking off any buds or shoots. If a shoot or bud does get knocked off another generally sprouts in its place after some time.

I opened the boxes and noticed some mold on the roots. Will this hurt the vines?

Once the vines come out of cold storage and start to warm up, the conditions are optimum for mold growth. We have researched this and had the mold tested. The findings were the mold is benign and will not hurt the vine or its performance.

What is the minimum order?

The minimum order is 400 vines per variety/rootstock combination, 200 cuttings (1bundle) per variety or 1 case of vine shelters.

How are vine shelters sold?

Vine shelters are sold by the case only. There are 100 shelters in a case.

What are your delivery charges/fees?

Delivery charges are based upon location. Fuel surcharges may be added.

What is the difference between a potted green vine and a dormant potted vine?

Potted green vines are produced in the same yar that they are planted. When a potted green vine is held over to the following year, it would then be referred to as a dormant potted vine. 

What is IAB?

IAB stands for California Grapevine Nursery Improvement Assessment Board.

What is FPS?

FPS is an acronym for Foundation Plant Services, UC Davis, the group that issues our certified material.

What is CGRIC?

CGRIC is an acronym for California Grape Rootstock Improvement Commission.

What is the difference between Cert & NC?

Cert or Certified is maintained in our Certified Increase Blocks. “Certified” means that the variety or rootstock was free from all known virus and grapevine diseases at the time it was released by Foundation Plant Services at UC Davis. NC or Non-Certified are common varieties that have not been issued from the Foundation Plant Service; many of these varieties are industry standard.

Why do some rootstocks (GRN1-5, 420A, 1616C, O39-16 & others) have an extra charge?

These rootstocks are more difficult to produce in the nursery, so we graft more than normal with other rootstocks. This added production and use of added material is the reason for the extra charge.

Can I place a special or custom order?

Yes, we do special/custom orders with a minimum of 500 finished vines per variety/rootstock combination.

Why is a signed contract required?

This verifies that the quantity, variety, clone and rootstock are correct. This is especially important if it is a custom order.

What is the rule on Order Changes?

All changes will be issued a revised contract, which requests that you review the changes, approve, sign and return the contract so that the change is verified. If material is available, you can change your order. Contracts cannot be changed once shipping has been scheduled.

Why do I have to sign a Replacement Vine (Replant) contract?

You must sign a replacement contract to verify that the quantity, variety, clone and rootstock are correct. Any changes to your original contract need to be authorized by the customer prior to shipping. This step ensures that you are aware of all changes and that they are correct.

Do out-of-state shipments require a Phytosanitary Certificate?

Some states require that a Phyto-Sanitary certificate accompany the order. There is a charge for the form to be completed.

What are the stipulations for shipping out of the United States?

A Phyto-Sanitary form is necessary and additional charges may be required, depending upon your import permit specifications.

Are there Restocking Fees if I cancel an order?

If the need arises to cancel an order, you will lose all deposits paid against that order. Should a custom order be canceled, you will be accountable for the entire order.

What is your policy on Returns?

Due to pests in other areas, we cannot accept plants that have left our control.

What Shipping Methods do you use?

We utilize UPS, FedEx Freight, Third Parties and Wonderful Nurseries delivery fleet.

What is your standard shipping method for shipping to the Midwest and Eastern United States?

Our standard shipping is UPS Ground unless another method is requested by the customer.

Do I have to pay “in full” before shipment?

Unless other arrangements have been made, all payments are due prior to shipment. There are no exceptions if you are out of state or the country.

What credit cards do you accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover and AMEX. There will be a 3% fee assessed on all credit card payments.