Page 43 - Grapevine SeptOct 2021

Around The Vineyard

areas. Using wind machines in the vineyard lessens
the burden, anxiety and stress that goes along with
the risky business of growing crops. And with tight-
er profit margins, it’s always important to produce
a marketable crop every growing season.”

Today, wind machines are more economical and
easier to maintain and service than ever before.
They’re considered one of the best tools in protec-
tion against radiant frost, lessening and sometimes
eliminating the need for extra heaters, smudge
pots and water. Wind machines work to bring up
the overall vineyard temperatures on average three
to five degrees Fahrenheit above the critical tem-
perature point, even in winter temperatures of -15
degrees Fahrenheit or less. Critical temperatures
vary depending on the varietal and the stage of
development of the vine. The more advanced the
stage of development, the less the plant tissue will
handle below the 32 degrees Fahrenheit mark.

“Our Chinook wind machines use propane, diesel,
natural gas or electric,” said Hauff. “The propane
units burn about 13 gallons of fuel per hour, and
the diesel units use about five and a half gallons
per hour. One Chinook wind machine effective-
ly covers 15 acres of fruit and trees and up to 18
acres of vines or vine plantings. They can start and
stop automatically and can even be controlled and
monitored remotely through telemetry via your cell
phone, computer or tablet, no matter your loca-
tion.”

Wind Where You Need It

“As to placement, we map out and locate each
of our wind machines individually, either on paper
or in person,” said Hauff. “Our goal is to maximize
fan coverage in the vineyard without going outside
of the specified boundaries. We protect the lowest
ground first, as the coldest air will naturally settle
there. Then, we account for natural drift and locate
our wind machines 40 to 60 feet into the direc-
tion of that natural drift. We also feature special
models for uniquely contoured or sloping grounds.
Our Chinook fan propeller extends coverage an
additional 100 to 150-foot radius beyond compet-
ing products, and the unique and exclusive trailing
edge wedge of our Chinook fan propellers increas-

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