T-budding
A technique for converting a vine from one specific variety to another, such as from Zinfandel to Sauvignon Blanc. This process is done by cutting off the fruit-bearing part of the vine and grafting the new variety to a T-shaped incision made in the top portion of the rootstock. This process speeds up the time in which the new variety is productive by 2 to 3 years. A newly planted vine might take 3 years or more to become fully productive, whereas a variety created by T-budding can be fully productive in the second year. This process is widely used in California and Australia, where it’s called green grafting.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.