Protecting Tender Grapevines: Why RootPro Viti-Tex Blankets Are the Smarter Alternative to Burying Vines

Across Canada and the northern United States, vineyards growing cold-sensitive grape varieties face the same annual challenge: winter can be unforgiving.

Traditionally, growers bury the vines underground to avoid winterkill. This is tough on the vine, disruptive to the soil, and reduces grape yield the following year.

RootPro offers an alternative, proven to have higher bud survival and better yields.

Our heavy-duty vineyard blankets are manufactured in Canada, designed to protect less-hardy grape varieties through the winter without burying vines and give growers peace of mind through the coldest months.

A Winter Tradition

Varieties like Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other Vitis vinifera have lower cold tolerance compared to hybrids. A frost in the Spring or Fall or when temperatures dip to -20°C put unprotected buds at extreme risk.

Traditionally, growers:

• Lay down the vines

• Bury them with soil

• Dig them out in spring

This method works, but it causes problems:

• Root disturbance

• Delayed spring growth

• Inconsistent protection depending on snow and soil conditions

Vineyards have been searching for a better method, and textile blankets have emerged as the favourite.

How RootPro Viti-Tex Blankets Work

RootPro winter blankets create a stable, insulated microclimate around the vine, protecting buds and canes from extreme cold, desiccation, and wind. Instead of burying vines, growers simply lay canes along a wire close to the ground and secure the blanket over them.

Our rolls are available in 3ft and 6.5ft widths up to 1000ft long.

What makes RootPro blankets effective:

1. Thermal Insulation

Our engineered and proprietary textile traps air, reducing heat loss and prevent freeze damage. Similar to how fabric row covers protect vegetables, just built thicker and stronger for perennial crops and multi-year reuse.

2. Moisture & Wind Protection

By shielding the vine from wind chill and rapid moisture loss, the blanket keeps tissues hydrated and less susceptible to winter kill.

3. Faster Spring Start

Because the vines aren’t buried, they:

• Warm up faster in the spring

• Dry out more naturally

• Experience less breakage when uncovered

This gives vineyards a more uniform budbreak and earlier season start.

4. Higher bud survival and yields in trials

Vineyards report substantially higher crop retention and yield potential where Viti-Tex blankets were used versus buried vines in specific trial years.

5. Long-Term Durability

RootPro blankets are made from high-strength non-woven textile, made in Canada, and designed for multiple seasons of use.

Protect Your Vines with RootPro

RootPro’s vineyard blankets offer a practical solution for cold-sensitive grape varieties. Whether you're replacing burying methods or expanding into more tender cultivars, our engineered non-woven textile gives you the confidence to grow what you want—without worrying about winter injury.

Learn more or request pricing at www.RootPro.ca

Canadian-made. Built for real winter.