protect from what? Most commercial vineyards use planting sleeves the first year to discourage rabbits and other munching pests, and protect from sun and wind, but NOTHING will protect from gophers!! Unless you plant the vine in a mesh cage, gophers are hungry for your vines, but most growers plant directly in the soil because it's important for the vine to build a good root system the first year, cordons and bigger roots the second year, a nice canopy the third year, and most don't let their vines produce grapes till the 4th or 5th year.