Rootstocks

Grapevine rootstocks are the foundation of a healthy, productive vineyard. Selected for their adaptability to soil type, climate, and pest pressures, rootstocks determine how a grapevine grows, manages water and nutrients, and withstands challenging conditions. While the scion variety (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay) provides the fruit characteristics, the rootstock plays a crucial role in vigor, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and long-term vine balance.

Modern grapevine rootstocks are typically bred from North American Vitis species, chosen for their natural resistance to phylloxera and nematodes. Each rootstock offers a unique combination of growth habit, soil compatibility, and stress tolerance, allowing growers to match vines precisely to their site. Whether improving fruit quality, controlling vigor in fertile soils, or helping vines thrive in rocky, drought-prone locations, the right rootstock selection is one of the most important decisions in vineyard planning.