With veraison, the coloring of the grape, comes netting. This is the only sure protection against birds. Bright objects, fake falcons and even the periodic canon noises are no protection. They work for a while but the birds catch on quickly.

A crew of three can install five acres of nets in one day. They are harder to remove than install because the vines grow into the mesh and become attached. They are removed just prior to picking, usually the day before but sometimes only hours before. The nets are stored and used again the following year.