Raccoons in particular are such a problem because so many live in our area and the crafty little buggers can untie netting or reach through to consume a crazy amount of grapes. One LWGA member even reports that after a full meal of grapes, local raccoons then went for a swim and wash in their pool!
One fairly simple and inexpensive way to prevent raccoons and other animals from eating your grapes is an electric fence. Members who are using an electric fence report very good success. I started using a portable fence this year, and it very effectively stoppeed local raccoons that were eating my grapes and tree fruit. I used portable plastic fence posts so it is very easy to setup and move.
Amazon and other vendors have many options. The electric fence charger can be even be solar powered. Also, I just learned from Daniel H. that if you add a timer to the system it will only be on during the night, so you and your pets will be less likely to get shocked!
Here are some examples for getting a system:
Example charger.. many options out there, some with lights to show power, and portable solar as well
8&keywords=electric+fence+charger
Example portable posts
or insulators for fence
Gerard
Too many gates and entrances around our property to successfully use this method, should work well for smaller vineyards. Our motion lights may keep burglars away, but the racoons don’t seem to mind one bit. After trying to capture them ourselves with cages with no success, we called in ALL-IN-ONE PEST and they have trapped and taken away 6 already. They use the same cages we purchased and tried on our own, but leave them in the BOX to create a “cave” type atmosphere. Filled every night they have been set. Now awaiting new cages.
It seems that trapping and relocating these guys yourself is illegal in CA. (But I should have know that…)
https://www.discoverwildcare.org/wildlife-resources/trapping-and-relocating-wildlife/