Im looking for some advice/discussion about how to proceed.
I planted 7 different grape vines this spring with various results (Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sangiovese, Tempranillo). I planted a little late (April/May) here in Richland, WA (Washington Wine Country) in my sandy (QuD), Alkaline soil. Im training these to a single cordon but only one of the vines made it to the top wire this first year (Chardonnay). The others had varying growth between 3-4 feet with the exception of the Tempranillo (planted latest late May and only grew up 12-18. I pinched all grape growth (clusters) when I saw them, and once one of the shoots came out about 6 inches I rubbed the others off to concentrate growth vertically.
In researching how to proceed (pruning wise) Ive received conflicting information:
1) Some say to prune back to 2-3 buds and essentially start over
2) Some say to let them bethey will reach the top wire early in the second year and will continue to grow just fine.
3) Some say to prune back to where the trunk is at least as thick as a pencil
How do you recommend I proceed? These are aligned in our back yard for astheticsI wont be making wine or anythingjust want them to grow up faster
Here are photos of the grapes so you can see their growth rates. The bottom wire is at 3 feet and the top is at 5 feet. Thank you for your help!!!
Cabernet Sauvignon (about 4 feet growth):
Pinot Noir (3-4 feet growth) (Sorry not the best photo):
Riesling (3-4 feet growth) (Again, not the best photo):
Tempranillo (12 inches growth planted very late, but not very vigorous):
Chardonnay (5+ feet of growth):
Sangiovese (4 feet growth):
Merlot (~4 feet growth):
I planted 7 different grape vines this spring with various results (Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sangiovese, Tempranillo). I planted a little late (April/May) here in Richland, WA (Washington Wine Country) in my sandy (QuD), Alkaline soil. Im training these to a single cordon but only one of the vines made it to the top wire this first year (Chardonnay). The others had varying growth between 3-4 feet with the exception of the Tempranillo (planted latest late May and only grew up 12-18. I pinched all grape growth (clusters) when I saw them, and once one of the shoots came out about 6 inches I rubbed the others off to concentrate growth vertically.
In researching how to proceed (pruning wise) Ive received conflicting information:
1) Some say to prune back to 2-3 buds and essentially start over
2) Some say to let them bethey will reach the top wire early in the second year and will continue to grow just fine.
3) Some say to prune back to where the trunk is at least as thick as a pencil
How do you recommend I proceed? These are aligned in our back yard for astheticsI wont be making wine or anythingjust want them to grow up faster
Here are photos of the grapes so you can see their growth rates. The bottom wire is at 3 feet and the top is at 5 feet. Thank you for your help!!!
Cabernet Sauvignon (about 4 feet growth):
Pinot Noir (3-4 feet growth) (Sorry not the best photo):
Riesling (3-4 feet growth) (Again, not the best photo):
Tempranillo (12 inches growth planted very late, but not very vigorous):
Chardonnay (5+ feet of growth):
Sangiovese (4 feet growth):
Merlot (~4 feet growth):
. 
