Field chip budding (bud grafting) is the process of taking a piece of one vine (the bud in this case) and grafting it onto the rootstock of another vine. It is done to change the type of grape on the rootstock, and is a great way to obtain the vines of the desired fruit. We try to complete this process between spring and the end of summer so the buds can develop within the rootstock, then go dormant until the following spring. We prefer this method over purchasing the vines at the nursery, because we know the full health of the bud prior to adding it to our vineyard.

We are able to get clippings from our own clones, and since we know the history of the vine, we are aware if the plant had viruses before grafting. This system needs skilled workers who can move quickly, and know the vines very well. We are lucky to have a a group of people, led by Gustavo Infante, our Vineyard Manager, who have these skills.

In the video below, they are grafting Vermentino onto the original rootstock.