How to Prune Grape Vines Using the Four-Arm Kniffin System

This how-to will show you easy step-by-step instructions for pruning your grape vines for growing great grapes.

At Planting

Cut Back to a Single Stem About 6" Long.

The Second Year

String two wires. one at 3' and one at 5'.

cut vine back to 6'.

Cut other growth, leaving 4-6 buds near each vine

The Third Year and Following Years

Cut 4 canes back to 10 buds. 1 cane near each wire in each direction.

String these up to the wires.

Cut 4 canes back to 2 buds each. 1 cane near each wire in each direction.

Remove all other growth, leaving central stem at 6'.