Ohio Grape-Wine Electronic Newsletter

Editor: Imed Dami, PhD
Assistant Professor and Extension Viticulture Specialist
Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center
1680 Madison Avenue
Wooster, OH 44691-4096
Phone: (330)-263-3882
Fax: (330)-263-3887
E-mail: dami.1@osu.edu
 www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/grapeweb/

18 January 2008
 
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 Content:

2008 Ohio Grape & Wine Conference
Reduced Loan Rate for OH Farmers
Dami's Leave
Upcoming Educational Grape and Wine Events
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2008 Ohio Grape & Wine Conference (OGWC)
by Dr. Imed Dami, HCS-OARDC

Happy New Year!! Hope you had wonderful Holidays. The OGWC organizing committee is pleased to announce the upcoming 2008 OGWC. Since we had a successful conference last year (except for the snow blizzard!), many attendees wanted the meeting to be held again at the Shisler Center at OARDC in Wooster. And that’s exactly what we’re doing this year. The 2008 OGWC will be held on Feb 11-12 at the Shisler Center. 
 
This year, the program is diverse and exciting with exceptional speakers from across the country. “Q” (for quality) is the theme of the conference. With the inception of the new “Ohio Quality Wines” (or OQW) quality assurance program in 2007, we wanted to continue the emphasis on the importance of producing quality wines in Ohio from “the ground up to the bottle”. Viticulture sessions will focus on grape management for quality control in the vineyard. Also, research updates on new varieties and clones, that you may be interested in, will be presented. Renowned viticulturists: Dr. Jim Wolpert from UC Davis and Alice Wise from Cornell University will share their knowledge and experience on those topics. OSU specialists will also share research updates on variety trials. You will also learn “hands-on” from our growers and winemakers from all corners of the state their experiences with new comer and promising varieties. In the enology sessions, there will be emphasis on the now popular rose/blush wines, the new trend of the art and science of wine blending, and interesting wine making tricks including wine stabilization and co-inoculation.  New York is well represented in this conference with speakers in the enology session including Steve DiFrancesco from Glenora Wine Cellars and Knapp Vineyards in the Finger Lakes, and Dr. Ramon Mira de Orduna from Cornell University. Finally, our featured marketing speakers include Heidi Orsini and Mark Saunders who will cover topics on agri-tourism, and successful marketing ideas for wineries. More information about our speakers is posted on the website below. 
 
Registration: To register, please visit our website at: http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/grapeweb/events/ogwc.htm. There is more information on the website about lodging, speakers’ bio, program, and topics of the conference. Registration form is also attached for your convenience.  Register by 6 February 2008 (postmarked) for discounted registration fees. Also don't forget to book your hotel room at the Hilton Gardenn In by 27 January 2008 for special rates .

Highlights of the 2008 Conference:  
Treasurer To Open 2008 Application Process for Ohio Farmers to Receive Reduced Rate Loans
 
PR dated Thursday, 03 January 2008.  ( COLUMBUS )--Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray announced today that the application process for the 2008 Agricultural Linked Deposit program will open January 7 and close on March 14 at 5 p.m.
The program allows Ohio farmers to receive loans at reduced interest rates through their local banks or farm credit agencies in order to offset the high cost of borrowing operating funds. It is one of the few ways that the state makes aid directly available to farmers, who can save up to $4,000 a year with the interest-rate reduction.
The Ag-Link program allocates $125 million of the Ohio Treasury's portfolio for the purchase of reduced-rate certificates of deposit from banks. The lenders then pass along the interest rate reduction ­up to four percent for a one-year period ­to farmers who have been approved for loans.
Agriculture is the leading industry in Ohio , employing 14 percent of the state's workforce. In 2007, 1,837 farmers received reduced-rate loans.
“Farmers in Ohio pump more than $73 billion into the economy each year. More than 200 different crops are grown here,” said Treasurer Cordray. “The Agricultural Linked Deposit Program is a way to support the tradition of family farms in our state and to encourage their economic expansion. We are pleased to offer this program as part of our effort to invest the state's money in ways that are safe, secure, and will provide the most benefit to Ohioans.”
In order to qualify for an Agricultural Linked Deposit, farms must be for-profit with their headquarters and more than half of their operations maintained in Ohio. Additionally, the farm must have a documented need for the reduced interest rate and may request the reduction for up to the first $100,000 of a loan.
To apply the farm must apply and be approved for an operating loan or line of credit from its Farm Credit System lender or a participating bank. After approval, the farm may apply for an interest-rate reduction from the Ohio Treasury. The Treasury does not restrict how the farmer spends the loan funds, but priority for the rate reduction will be given to farmers using the funds for feed, seed, fertilizer and fuel.
Applications must be received in the Ohio Treasurer's offices no later than 5 p.m., Friday, March 14, 2008. Postmarks and faxes marked March 14 but that arrive after the deadline are not acceptable because of the high demand for the program.
Written notification of the status of each application will be mailed no later than April 7, 2008. The Treasurer will announce the amount of money invested in each county in early April. Funding will be available as early as April 9, 2008 to assist with spring planting.
Applications and a list of participating lenders are available on the Ohio Treasury Web site at www.ohiotreasurer.gov.
 
 
 Dami's Leave
 
I will be on Family leave beginning next week January 22, 2008. I will have limited access to my e-mail. Please contact the following for assistance on:
-         Grape growing:  Dave Scurlock -- 330-263-3825 (scurlock.2@osu.edu)
-         Wine making: Todd Steiner -- 330-263-3881 (steiner.4@osu.edu)
-         Conference Registration/Information: Hannah Roscoe-Metzger – 330-287-1424 (roscoe-metzger.1@osu.edu )
 
 
 Upcoming Educational Grape and Wine Events for 2008:

(Editor’s note – I thank Mark Chien, Wine Grape Educator at Penn State, for compiling and graciously providing this list to all growers, winemakers and educators in the region). Meeting locations are listed in bold.
 
January
 
28-30       Indiana Horticultural Congress (includes Indiana Wine Grape Symposium).  Adam's Mark Hotel and Conference Center Indianapolis, IN. Information at http://www.inhortcongress.org
 
29-31       Unified Wine and Grape Symposium. Sacramento Convention Center, CA.  Probably now the biggest wine and grape trade show and meeting in the country.   Lots of research and practical viticulture and enology presentations including sessions in Spanish.  This year includes a program on Tempranillo.  Program, information and registration at http://www.unifiedsymposium.org/
 
29            Grape Section to the Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention. Hershey Lodge and Convention Center, Hershey, PA. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Topics include winter injury, weed and disease control, sprayer technology, grape root borer, Pierce’s disease, grape berry moth and a large trade show. This meeting is sponsored by the State Horticulture Association of Pennsylvania and Penn State Cooperative Extension.  PA and NJ pesticide credits are available.  For information and registration please contact Maureen Irvin at 717-677-4184. 
 
29            Lancaster Crop Day. Farm and Home Center, Lancaster, PA.  9 a.m. – 2:30. Opportunity for core and category pesticide credits. $5 includes lunch.  Contact Jeff Graybill for information 717-394-6851. https://www.paplants.state.pa.us/PesticideApplicator/MeetingSearch.aspx
 
 
February
 
2              Getting a Vineyard Started.  Linden Vineyards. Linden, VA. 10:30-4:00.  A series of professional seminars geared towards commercial winegrowers is taught by Jim Law. These are practical courses focused on small scale high quality vineyard and wine production in the mid-Atlantic region. They are a reflection of Jim Law’s own experiences, approaches and philosophies after 25 years of pursuing an understanding of the thousands of pieces of the puzzle that need to be joined together to make great wine.  Fee is $150. Pre-registration required. Limited space.  Seminar outline available on line at http://www.lindenvineyards.com/linden/. 
 
2-3           North Carolina Winegrowers Association Annual Meeting, Airport Marriott Hotel, Greensboro, NC. Topics include irrigation, disease control, selling wine, hybrid grapes, tasting rooms, vine nutrition and much more. Information and registration at http://www.ncwinegrowers.com/ . 
 
2-4           22nd Annual Midwest Grape and Wine Conference at the Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach, MO.  This is a major vit/enol program for the Midwest with a large trade show and grand banquet.  For information and registration contact Rozanna at 573-486-5596.  For more information visit http://www.missouriwine.org/MidwestGrapeWineConference.htm
 
3              Winemaking Basics. Linden Vineyards.  The nuts and bolts of both red and white commercial winemaking, this seminar is geared towards the novice, but moves quickly with classroom, cellar and tasting sessions. High end artisan winemaking is the focus.  Seminar outline, info and registration at http://www.lindenvineyards.com/linden/ 
 
7-9           Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) annual conference.  Penn Stater Hotel, State College, PA.  “Farming for the Future”.  This amazing event is PASA's signature and our main vehicle for community building. Widely regarded as the best of its kind in the East, this diverse 3-day spectacular brings together an audience of over 1,500 farmers, processors, consumers, students, environmentalists, and business and community leaders annually. For complete information and registration, go to the PASA web site at  http://www.pasafarming.org/conference2008/
 
7-9           Virginia Vineyard Association Annual Winter Meeting.  Omni Hotel, Charlottesville, VA.  Two days of practical information for growers and wine makers and research information from VA Tech. Topics to include ½-day program on Petit Verdot, ½-day program on irrigation, research updates, legislative updates, trade shown and annual business meeting.  For more information, please visit http://www.virginiavineyardsassociation.com/. 
 
7-8           Iowa Wine Growers Association Annual Meeting. Des Moines Area Community College, Ankeny, IA. Pre-conference symposium will focus on sparkling wine production.  For information go to http://www.iowawinegrowers.com.
 
9              Pruning Clinic.  Western Maryland Research and Extension Center.  Keedysville, MD.  Instruction on mature vineyards and new plantings. More details forthcoming.  Visit http://www.marylandgrapes.org/ 
 
11/12       Ohio Grape and Wine Conference.  Shisler Conference Center at OARDC in Wooster, OH.  Viticulture, enology, and marketing education sessions. For registration and more information visit  http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/grapeweb/events/ogwc.htm.
 
13            Maryland  New Grower Workshop, Hughesville, S. Maryland.  The University of Maryland Cooperative Extension is offering one-day regional workshops for beginner and prospective grape growers in Maryland.   This workshop offers a broad overview of commercial vineyard development from pre-plant planning into the third year including economics and marketing information, variety, clone, and rootstock choices, site selection and preparation, pre-plant decisions, equipment and supply requirements. We will also cover the basics of ordering, planting, and tending the vines through the third year of growth, as well as best practices for training, canopy management, and pest management.  This seminar is a good overview of what is involved with getting a commercial vineyard started in Maryland.  Registration fee is $20.  Pre-registration is required.  Contact Ben Beale at 301-475-4481 for registration and information.   
 
14-16       Minnesota Grape Grower’s Association Cold Climate Grape and Wine Conference.  Holiday Inn Select, Bloomingdale, MN.  This meeting would be interesting to growers in cold regions of Pennsylvania. Great lineup of speakers covering all topics of cold climate viticulture and enology including sustainable viticulture, disease control, multi-colored Asian Lady Beetle, vine nutrition, irrigation, yeast selection, wine marketing and business and much more.  For more information go to http://mngrapes.org/ 
 
15-16       Tennessee Viticulture and Oenological Society Meeting.  Marriott Nashville Hotel.  Program in development. Check the TVOS website for more details at www.tvos.org/. 
 
16            Pruning clinic in Maryland – Central MD REC, Upper Marlboro, MD.  http://www.marylandgrapes.org/
 
20            Maryland New Grower Workshop in Queen Anne County, Eastern Maryland.  See February 13 listing. Contact Shannon Potter Dill at 410-822-1244 for info/reg.
 
20-21       Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention.  Brock University, Ste Catharines, Ontario.  Viticulture and enology sessions with outstanding speakers.  A great excuse to go to Ontario and taste wines. A large trade show and Ontario wine tasting. For more information, please go to http://www.ofvc.ca  or contact Tony Sgambulleri 905-945-1713 or Ken Slingerland 905-562-1639, ken.slingerland@ontario.ca .   
 
23            Grape Expectations: A Viticultural and Enological Symposium.  Forsgate Country Club. Monroe Twp, New Jersey.  Always an outstanding wine and grape program that includes a mystery wine and awards for NJ wines are presented.  For information and registration, please contact Dr. Gary Pavlis at 609-758-7311 x10.  
 
23            Pruning clinic in Maryland: Golden Run Vineyard, Sudlersville, MD (Queen Ann County on Eastern Shore)  http://www.marylandgrapes.org/
 
28-3/1     11th Annual  Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Forum and Trade Show. Kearney Holiday Inn Hotel and Convention Center, Kearney, Nebraska.  Featured speakers include Dr. Todd Steiner, focusing on wine making and winery issues, and Dr. Mike Ellis on challenges in grape disease management.  A tasting of Nebraska  wines will precede the Annual Banquet and over 50 Trade Show vendors will participate.   For further information visit < http://agronomy.unl.edu/viticulture> or communicate with Paul Read (pread@unl.edu; 402-472-5136)
 
March
 
1              Maryland Grape Growers Association annual meeting.  Turf Valley Resort, Ellicott City, MD. www.turfvalley.com. Combined meeting of Maryland wine and grower associations.  Speakers include Lucie Morton, Turner Sutton, Stephen Menke, Gavin Sacks and Justine van de Heuvel.  Visit
http://marylandwine.com/mgga/index.html for more information or contact Dick Penna at 310-432-2338.
 
4-7           Wineries Unlimited is the largest wine industry trade show and seminar program east of the Rockies, will celebrate its 33rd year, the second in a row at the new venue of the Valley Forge Convention Center in King of Prussia, PA, with a larger trade show than was possible at the Lancaster Host in the past. Four days of seminars supplement the trade show (on 3/5-6), with wine tastings and social events, including the second annual ASEV/ES scholarship auction fundraiser. Keynote speaker at the Wine Theme Lunch will be Steve Burns, president of consulting firm O'Donnell-Lane, LLC. For program details, exhibitor list and online registration, visit www.wineriesunlimited.com.
 
7              Issues in Winery Design and Layout workshop at  Wineries Unlimited. The program will cover practical topics of interest to those establishing a new winery or expanding an existing facility. Some of the most renowned winery architects and planners in the country will be on hand to present information and answer questions. If you are considering building or expanding a winery, this program is a must. Register for this workshop at the Wineries Unlimited web site. 
 
13            Maryland  New Grower Workshop.  Friendly Farm Restaurant. Baltimore County.  See February 13 listing.  Contact David Martin at 41-666-1022 for information and registration.
 
14-15       Finger Lakes Grape Growers Conference and Trade Show.  Holiday Inn. Waterloo, NY.  A grower oriented conference with practical sessions.  A large trades how.  Got to www.flg.cce.cornell.edu for more information.
 
15            Viticulture Workshop. South Dakota State University in Brookings, 9:30-4:30.  The morning session will be focused on new or prospective growers, with the afternoon covering more advanced topics.  Dr. Paul Domoto from Iowa State University will be a featured speaker.  For more information, contact Dr. Rhoda Burrows, rhoda.burrows@sdstate.edu, 605-688-4731.
 
20            Grape Disease Management Workshop. LIHREC in Riverhead, LI NY.  Drs. Wayne Wilcox and  Marc Fuchs will talk about diseases and viruses of grapes.  Contact Alice Wise for information.
 
26-27       Lake Erie Grape Growers Convention.  SUNY, Fredonia, NY. A grower oriented meeting that covers juice and wine grapes.  A transition from juice to wine grapes workshop is planned.  Contact Linda Aures for information and registration at laures@netsync.net. 
 
26-28       New York Wine Industry Workshop.  Ramada Inn Lakefront, Geneva, NY.  This is the biggest enology conference in the region with lots of practical sessions and research reports from Cornell Food Sci and Technology.  Please check out the program at http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/fst/vb/  or contact Nancy Long at NPL1@cornell.edu. 
 
27            Lancaster Extension Pesticide Points meeting. Farm and Home Center, Lancaster, PA. 7:00 – 9:00 PM 2 Core and 2 Category I points. Cost $3.00. Call Jeff Graybill for information. 717.394.6851. https://www.paplants.state.pa.us/PesticideApplicator/MeetingSearch.aspx
 
April
 
15-16       Pennsylvania Wine Association Annual Meeting.  8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with awards banquet.  Harrisburg/Hershey Sheraton Hotel. Harrisburg, PA.  Invited speakers focus on current topics important to the PA wine industry. Enology topics include new varieties like Albarino, Petit Manseng , Gruner Veltliner, Barbera and Carmenere.  Viticulture will include research funded by PA Wine Marketing and Research Program on late season rots and vine decline. Marketing topics include green wineries, fermentation protocol and yeasts and much more.  Awards banquet and annual PWA business meeting.  For information, please call Jennifer at 717-234-1844. 
 
May       
 
15            Variety Focus: Cabernet Sauvignon.  UC Davis, Davis, CA.  Okay, yes, it’s Cabernet Sauvignon and California, but there is a great lineup of speakers and surely something to be learned even from an arid region.  For information go to http://calendar.ucanr.org/eventdisplay.cfm?caleventnum=28491&group=w5760
 
19-23       7th International Terroir Conference in Nyon, Switzerland.  Nyon is on Lake Geneva in western Switzerland on the French side. This is the gold standard of terroir conferences with serious vit/enol minds from all over the world.  Topics include soils, climate, management effects on terroir, new technologies, winemaking and vineyard visits in the region. Kees van Leeuwen from Chateau Cheval Blanc is the society president.  Registration fee is 500 euro. You can find more information at www.acw.admin.ch or contact Karine Pythoud at karine.pythoud@acw.admin.ch
 
 
June       Summer vineyard meetings are offered periodically in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Western NY and the Finger Lakes.  Please look for further announcements about these important field days, coffee pots, twilight and other educational gatherings or contact the viticulture extension agent in each region. 
 
17-20       American Society for Enology and Viticulture Annual Convention. Portland, OR. ASEV is the professional association of the U.S. wine industry.  The focus is on viticulture and enology research with a large trade show.  For more information, go to www.asev.org.
 
July
 
14-16       American Society for Enology and Viticulture Eastern Section Annual Meeting.  Sheraton Four Points Hotel, St Catherines, Ontario.  This is an important opportunity for non-western states growers to hear the latest research results from their regions include student papers and Viticulture Consortium projects.  Symposium theme is aromatic white wines. Pre-conference tour of  local wineries is available.  For more information, visit the ASEV-ES web site at http://www.nysaes.cornell.edu/fst/asev/  or call Dr. Andy Reynolds at Brock University. 
 
27-29       Riesling Rendezvous at Chateau St. Michelle in Woodinville, WA.  3 days of focus on growing, making and selling Riesling.  International producers attendance.  If you are interested in Riesling, this would be a great meeting to attend.  Tentative program and save-the-date info at http://ste-michelle-wine-estates.com/pressrelease/PressReleases.cfm?NewsDetail=TRUE&PR_ID=108
 
30-31       Vineyard Equipment exhibition and demonstration.  Dresden, NY. Organized by Dr. Andrew Landers, Cornell University.  More information will be posted.