The Vinnet bird net design is different from typical bird mesh and other net-type bird prevention methods. It is far more effective at preventing bird damage to grape harvests, and protects the birds from harm at the same time.
Not only is Vinnet proven to help farmers save up to 90% of their grape harvest from bird damage, it also has a number of other benefits.
The netting system is lightweight, affordable, easy to install, and only needs two people to set it up. It is also easily removable at harvest time.
The UV-stabilised net can be reused for between two to three seasons if correctly stored and maintained. (Optimal care at some vineyards has extended the life of the net to five seasons)
The environmentally friendly Vinnet is recommended by WWF South Africa, and recognised by the Biodiversity & Wine Initiative (BWI), and does not hurt or kill the ‘problem’ birds.
Difference between conventional bird mesh and Vinnet:
| Conventional bird mesh | Vinnet |
|---|---|
| Conventional bird mesh is usually installed over an entire vineyard and can be an extremely expensive investment for larger farms | Vinnet is only installed on the lower half of the trellised vines, in order to protect the grapes. It can be installed on the blocks closest to the problem bird populations and does not need to be installed throughout the entire vineyard |
| Birds can become entangled in the mesh of catch nets, leading to a high death rate | Vinnet is bird-friendly and does not hurt or kill any bird species. The net has been specifically designed to prevent birds from reaching the grapes without hurting them |
| Draped mesh is heavy, and places additional weight on trellising systems, bending shoots, and stunting growth | The lightweight construction of Vinnet does not hinder the growth of the vine or the development of the grape bunches. The netting is UV-stabilised |
| Conventional bird nets require a lot of manpower for professional installation | Two people can install the light weight Vinnet. During harvest, one person can easily loosen the net from the foliage and allow it to hang down from its wire |
| The design of some conventional bird mesh does not allow for proper air flow through the blocks. Stagnant, humid air may encourage the growth of unwanted fungi and bunch rot | Designed for the VSP trellis system of grape growing, Vinnet allows for healthy air flow between the grape vines to prevent the growth of fungi and bunch rot – particularly in hot climates like South Africa |
NOTE: Proper installation advice is available from Vinnet innovator (Johan Montgomery) at any time. Please contact him HERE for any queries on when and how to install, maintain, and store your Vinnet.
When to install Vinnet?
Timing is Key
Vinnet should be factored in as an integral part of the vineyard’s annual pest and disease control budget. Timing is critical to its success, Vinnet should be ordered in time to be installed during veraison before the problem birds set in.
Birds are attracted to ripening grapes, particularly between January and March in South Africa. It is important to ensure that the Vinnet system is installed mid-December for early wine grape cultivars and mid-January for late wine grape cultivars.
Installation & Harvesting
Whilst the lightweight netting can be carried by one person, the overall installation is a two-man job. One individual will roll out the netting with the other fastening the netting around the anchor pole and affixing it between to the lower foliage wires and the cordon wire.
During harvest time, one person will be needed to loosen the net from the foliage wire. It hangs downwards, and doesn’t interfere with the harvesting process.
Once harvest is completed and there is more labour available, the net can be loosened, rolled up and stored undercover until the next season.