Options for vineyards: reworking and top-grafting

Reworking and top grafting are only viable when the vineyard has strong “bones” and intervention happens early. Successful reworking or top grafting depends on acting before significant vine decline and ensuring vines are healthy, uniform, and free from major trunk disease or viruses. If these conditions aren’t met, the risks and costs increase sharply, often making replanting the better long-term option. Clear objectives and thorough follow-up management are essential to make reworking and top grafting worthwhile. These options must be driven by a defined purpose (e.g. variety change, productivity improvement) and supported by realistic budgeting, labour, and post-grafting care. Without strong planning and ongoing management, the economic and production benefits of reinvestment can be lost. _____________________ About Penny Flannery ______________________ Penny joined the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in November 2023 and supports the NSW wine grape industry across a broad range of viticulture activities. Her work includes under vine pasture trials, sheep–vineyard integration case studies, mechanical shaking for rot reduction, and projects focuses on climate and drought resilience. And most recently has released the guide Option for vineyards: reworking, top grafting, replanting and removal.