Russia: Viticulture

Vine-training systems changed enormously during the 20th century. Densely planted vineyards (5,000 to 10,000 vines per ha) with single vine supports have given way to trellis systems in wider-spaced rows. The many vineyards that need winter protection are either trained with long and medium canes left in one direction and covered with soil in winter by a vine-laying machine, or left to be covered with a high mound of soil. Row and vine spacing is generally 2.5 to 3.0 m and 1.25 to 2.0 m respectively. In warmer, non-protected viticultural zones, there may be irrigation in areas with unsatisfactory rainfall.