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L.A. County Fruit Fly

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have eradicated an Oriental fruit fly infestation in the La Verne area of Los Angeles County, Calif. “The Oriental fruit fly poses a serious threat to California farming and our backyard gardens as well,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “I [...]

Roche Vineyard Consulting "Winter Chilling"

Winter Chilling-So Cal

Southern California has winters that make for great living conditions for us humans. Obtaining and maintaining the proper chilling requirement for grapes in some seasons is another matter.

Spotted Wing Drosophila

Late in 2009 it was reported that a new species of Vinegar Fly (Drosophila) was attacking sound fruit. This is unusual as Drosophila usually will attack rotting fruit. It had not been observed in vineyards to date, but the concern was vineyards near cherry orchards. I began trapping the edges of a number of vineyard I consult with in San Benito County, that are adjacent to cherries.

Grapevine Moth

I attended the CDFA joint meeting of the Pierce’s Disease/Glassy-winged Sharpshooter Board and Pierce’s Disease Advisory Task Force in late October 2009. According to the CDFA , “EGVM was found in Napa County late in the season, and efforts are gearing up for an extensive survey when the weather warms up and the moths become active again.”

California Pinot Noir

We are seeing large clusters in Coastal California Pinot Noir vineyards. Good set weather in April helped pollination. Crop thinning (“green drop”) is beginning. We suffered from sunburn on some fruit during the 100+ degree heat a few weeks ago, and this gives us a chance to remove it as well.

L.A. County Fruit Fly Winter Chilling-So Cal Spotted Wing Drosophila Grapevine Moth California Pinot Noir

About

In 1993, Roche Vineyard Consulting (RVC) was established in order to aid in a wide array of wine grape growers needs. Based in Monterey County, California, Roche is currently involved with the production of over 25 varieties of premium varietal wine grapes on over 2,000 acres of land. With over 30 years of farming experience [...]

Services

Robert Corky Roche is a Viticultural Consultant based in Monterey County that strives to increase wine quality and profitability for growers of all sizes. He has managed and consulted for winegrowers for the last 27 years. His viticultural experience, knowledge, and ability to produce high quality wines while keeping projects in order through deliberate time [...]

Experience

Vineyard Consultant, Roche Vineyard Consulting, 1993 to Present: Independent Viticultural Consultant for clients in 3 states, as well as Europe Director Vineyard Operations, Chalone Wine Group, 1990-1993:Responsible for all Viticultural Operations in Sonoma , Napa , San Luis Obisbo, Monterey Counties , and eastern Washington State Vineyard Manager, Chalone Vineyard, Monterey County, 1984-1989 Orchard and [...]