Trellising is an essential viticultural operation that consists of supporting the vine shoots to optimise their exposure to light and air. Among the various trellising methods, staking (palissage sur échalas) represents one of the oldest and most fundamental techniques. An échalas is a stake, traditionally made of wood, driven vertically into the ground beside each vine to serve as an individual support.

This method allows the shoots to grow upwards, preventing contact with the ground, which reduces disease pressure and promotes better ripening of the grape bunches. Historically, stake trellising was widely used, particularly in regions with high planting densities, as was often the case for certain grape varieties of yesteryear.

Stakes: a multifaceted practice

Although the principle of using stakes is simple, its implementation has seen various adaptations. A common practice was to use only one stake per vine. However, this method could be deemed detrimental, as tying the shoots tightly around the stake deprived the leaves and fruit of adequate exposure to air and sunshine. To remedy this, regions such as Chablis used up to five stakes per vine to spread out the shoots more effectively (source 5).

The maintenance of stakes is an important consideration. The materials used influence their lifespan. Willow stakes, for example, last less time, although their rapid growth and ability to form a bud at the tip—with greenery contrasting with that of the vine—were sometimes seen as an advantage (source 3). To prolong the lifespan of the wood, particularly the part driven into the soil, techniques such as charring were used (source 3).

Evolution and alternatives to stake trellising

Over time, alternatives emerged. Dr Jules Guyot, for example, proposed a method combining a small stake for each vine with galvanised iron wires strung between larger posts to form an espalier. While this technique was excellent for trellising and spreading the tendrils and shoots, it was considered more costly (source 5). The use of iron wire, such as annealed puddled iron wire no. 14, represented a significant expense, but allowed for a different vineyard organisation with fewer individual stakes (source 2).

Trellising is distinct from disbudding, lateral shoot removal, or pinching out, and is often carried out about ten days after disbudding (source 4). It is one of the many vineyard tasks that contribute to the final quality of the grapes, with methods continuously evolving, such as vine wedging (calage) or canopy braiding (tressage).

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