A training system refers to the way a vine is positioned in space.It incorporates the trellis and the way the vine is manipulated to cover it.The aim is to maximise quality and yield and reduce costs (facilitating mechanisation).

In cool climates, the most appropriate way growers can improve yield & quality is to increase the interception of light. When selecting a training system the choices to be made include:

• Planting mode
  • Plantation density
  • Distance between rows
  • Distance between plants
  • Row orientation
• Plant shape
  • Trunk length
  • Shape of canopy
• Trellis systems

There is no one ideal training system for vines, choice will depend on climate, soil, cultivar, rootstock, economic constraints.