About this episode

Fritz Westover continues his discussion with Thijs Verschuuren on practical steps for biodynamic and organic vineyard management.

In this conversation, Fritz continues his deep dive with Thijs Verschuuren of Herman J. Wiemer, exploring practical baby steps toward biodynamic and organic vineyard management. Thijs walks through how he structures a non-systemic spray program in a high-disease-pressure region, breaking down critical spray timing, coverage strategies, and why he treats bloom and cap fall as "non-negotiable" spray windows. They discuss how Thijs combines copper, sulfur, plant teas, biologicals, and newer tools like chitosan-based fungicides and kaolin clay to target downy mildew, black rot, powdery mildew, and leafhoppers, while staying within strict copper limits and managing livestock safety. Fritz and Thijs also cover biodynamic teas, how forecasting and 48‑hour brews fit into a preventive program, and why daily scouting and mapping disease "pockets" are essential. The conversation concludes with canopy management, pruning, mechanization, and thoughtful leaf removal that maintain disease control without sacrificing the acidity and fruit quality of Riesling and Chardonnay on the path to Demeter certification. In this episode, you will hear: Why spray timing and coverage matter more than product…

More episodes of Vineyard Underground

• 101: Baby Steps Towards Biodynamics & Organic Growing Practices - Part 1 with Thijs Verschuuren · July 7, 2026 · 60 min
• 100: 100 Episodes In: What's In, What's Out, and What's Next for the Vineyard Industry · June 23, 2026 · 34 min

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