Training Systems

training systems, methods of vine training, which vary considerably around the world. They are known in French as systèmes de conduite. Since the grapevine is a true vine, and is not self-supporting like a tree, innumerable training systems for vines have been devised over the millennia of cultivation (see oenotria for example). Confusion between the terms training systems, trellis systems, and pruning is widespread. In fact they are three distinct, if closely related, entities. A trellis is a man-made physical structure, consisting normally of posts, generally made of wood, and wires. The word training describes the actions of pruning in winter and summer, and shoot and cane placement, so that the vine’s trunk, arms, and cordons and buds are appropriately located on the trellis system. Those training systems which involve trellises are often named after the trellis.