2021 Muscadine Growers Annual Conference

The conference will be held virtual on Zoom from March 1–3, 2021.

• Free for members of the NC Muscadine Grower Association
• $25 for students/Extension personnel
• $50 for non-members

Please follow this link to register!

Agenda

March 1

1–2:30 p.m. Fundamentals of Muscadine Production Virtual Workshop – Mark Hoffmann, NC State University and Bill Cline, NC State University

March 2

10 a.m.–noon

Update on Seedless Muscadines – Panel presentation with Penny Perkins Veazie, NC State University; Renee Threlfall, University of Arkansas; Jeff Bloodworth, Gardens Alive; Margaret Worthington, University of Arkansas; and Mark Hoffmann, NC State University

Essential Food Safety Practices for Fresh Market Growers Large or Small – Lynnette Johnson, NC State University

The Right Grape for the Right Market – Mark Hoffmann, NC State University

Spring Production Recommendations – Mark Hoffmann, NC State University

Fighting Fire Ants in the Vineyard – Hannah Burrack, NC State University

Noon–1:30 p.m. Break and Networking

1:30–3:30 p.m.

NCMGA’s New Muscadine Winemakers Project – Debby Wechsler, NC Muscadine Grape Association

Defining How to Evaluate Muscadine Wines – Chuck Blethen, Jewel of the Blue Ridge Vineyard & Muscadine Nursery

Not Your Grandfather’s Wine:

• Making Dry Muscadine Wines – Nadia Hetzel, Cypress Bend Vineyards
• Sparking muscadine wines – Mark Friszolowski, Childress Vineyards

Increasing the Price Point for Muscadine Wines – Tina Smith, Cypress Bend Vineyards

March 3

10 a.m.–noon

Update on Muscadine Health Benefits Research – Dr. William Wagner, Wake Forest School of Medicine and President, Muscadine Naturals

Muscadines Around Our Region –  Paulk Vineyards (GA), Post Winery (AR), others TBA

A Vision for Regional Collaboration – Roundtable discussion with the presenters from the previous session and muscadine leaders in North Carolina 

Research Projects, Prospects, and Priorities – Whit Winslow, NC Wine & Grape Council

Noon–1:30 p.m. Break and Networking

1:30–3:30 p.m.

Vineyard Spotlight – Preston Williams, Seven Springs Farms and Vineyards, LLC

Harvest-time Options:

• Grower/Winery Partnerships
• Alternative Markets for Fresh Market Grapes
• Custom Harvesting
• Mechanical Harvesting for Small Vineyards

Becoming a Real Business, Not Only a Grower or Winemaker – Phillip Nordan, Treehouse Vineyards

NCMGA Annual Meeting and Conference Wrap-Up
with a tribute to NCMGA President Ervin Lineberger, Killdeer Farm, who passed away in January.