Pierre has started planting on his vineyard plots in the Cognac region

Cognac region, France, october 2023

Pierre is a winegrower and cognac producer in the Charente department of France. His activities are based on organic farming methods. To further develop this approach, he is keen to engage in agroforestry by introducing trees to his vineyard. Planting 428 trees of about ten different species will help protect the vines from the effects of climate change, such as excessive heat and late frosts, and enrich biodiversity.

Pierre planted his first trees in February 2023. The 12-month set back was due to a delay in ordering the plants from the nursery. To ensure the right diversity of species planned for the project, Pierre decided to postpone his planting by a year.

He began by planting vines to extend his vineyard on the plots of land planned for wine-forestry. He planted 1,000 vines instead of the 750 initially planned. He then planted the first hedge, on the plot with fruit trees like apple, pear, and cherry.

1. Charmilla- Carpinus betulus: 4 trees
2. Blackthorn – Prunus spinosa L.: 10 trees
3. Pear tree William’s/ FRANC Scion: 2 trees
4. Pear tree Beurre clairgeau/ FRANC Scion: 2 trees
5. Pear tree Doyenne du comice/ FRANC Scion: 2 trees
6. Pear tree Beurre giffard/ FRANC Scion: 2 trees
7. Pear tree Margueritte marillat/ FRANC Scion: 1 tree
8. Pear tree Epargne cuisse madame/ FRANC Scion: 1 tree
9. Pear tree Caillaou rosat/ FRANC Scion: 1 tree
10. Pear tree Belle epine/ FRANC Scion: 1 tree
11. Apple tree Reinette de Saintonge/ FRANC Scion: 1 tree
12. Apple tree Pomme glace/ FRANC Scion: 2 trees
13. Appletree Azeroli/ FRANC Scion: 2 trees
14. Apple tree Vermillon d espagne / FRANC Scion: 1 tree
15. Apple tree Pineau/ FRANC Scion: 1 tree
16. Apple tree Reinette burre/ FRANC Scion: 1 tree
17. Apple tree Court pendu gris du limousin/ FRANC Scion: 2 trees
18. Cherry tree Fertard (cov) scion: 1 tree
19. Khaki SHARUM scion: 1 tree
20. Khaki FUYU scion: 1 tree
21. Hazel DE COUTARD C 3 L: 2 trees
22. Country maple 150/200: 5 trees
23. Rowan 150/200: 4 trees

As a result, 1,000 vines and 50 trees and shrubs were planted in winter 2022/2023. The remaining trees will be planted in winter 2023/2024. The winegrower is proud of his first round of planting, and it was well worth the wait: there is now a greater diversity of species than initially planned!

When the vines and trees were planted in February 2023 it rained enormously, which made the work difficult for Pierre. On the other hand, the bad weather, which lasted for several days in a row, meant the plants could root quickly since they were immersed in water for a considerable time.

Since he didn’t want to install a drip system or any other kind of irrigation, Pierre mulched around the foot of the trees to ensure they all retained leaf cover and the moisture needed to root properly. As of 1 October 2023, Pierre has not counted a single dead tree on his plantation. He is really delighted with this result, which is also thanks to a summer that wasn’t too hot and, above all, sufficiently rainy in Charente.

A technical visit is planned for the winter of 2023-2024. This follow-up will be an opportunity to overview the project almost a year after planting and properly calibrate the 2nd planting season – for a border hedge with 378 plants.

Catch up soon for more about Pierre’s planting progress!