2021 NC Winegrowers Annual Conference
The NC Winegrowers Association is shifting to a one-day virtual event on Tuesday, February 23, 2021.
Registration:
Free to members. Register here:
Extension agents who want to participate, please contact me (Mark) directly.
https://www.ncwinegrowers.com/conference_registration.php
Agenda:
Marketing
8:00-8:30 Tourism Trends –Allison Shult/ Visit NC
Description: In the last year, we have seen a shift in tourism. Are people traveling more? Where are they traveling to? How are they traveling? What does it mean to our industry? What trends are forecasted for the future?
8:35-9:05 Alternative Ways to selling wine; Virtual Tastings – Hailey Klepcyk/ Piccione Vineyards, Becky Muhlenberg/ Haze Gray Vineyards
Description: With COVID’s impact to the industry, tasting rooms need to be creative regarding sales and engaging customers. We will also discuss the changes in how we operate in and out of the tasting room. We will discuss a few opportunities during this session.
9:10-9:40 How to Grow a Presence in your State- Kevin Atticks/ Grow and Fortify
Description: Maryland Wineries Association’s executive director, Kevin Atticks, will share how the industry has grown and prospered in the last 20 years, from public engagement and top reviews, to political prowess and market awareness.
Business
9:45-10:15 How to Price the bottle for Profitability- JW/ JOLO Vineyards
Description: How to price your wine for sustainable profitability and successfully navigate the treacherous 3 tier system.
10:20-11:10 In-House vs. Custom Crush-Chuck Johnson/ Shadow Springs Vineyard-Windsor Run Cellars & Deane Muhlenberg/Haze Gray Vineyards. Description: Comparison of wine production of estate verses custom crush concept. We will compare cost, coordination, and ROI. There is room for both concepts in a new wine emerging region. See what process is right for you.
11:10- Noon - General Session Meeting
President Introductory-Ken Gulaian/ President
Treasurer’s Report-Chuck Johnson/ Treasurer
Election-Amy Helton/Secretary
State of the State-Dr. Mark Hoffman/NCSU
Grape Council Update-Whit Winslow/Executive Director/ NC Grape Council
Global Perspective- Ian Taplin/WFU
Noon – 1:00 Lunch Break
Viticulture
1:00 – 1:30 2020 Insect Survey- Dr. Hannah Burrack/ NCSU
Description: During summer 2020, we compared automated trapping systems for use in monitoring key grape pests, including grape root borer and leafhopper vectors of Pierce's Disease. Comparisons were made at three locations with a history of these pests. We found that traps were similar in effectiveness for detecting grape root borer but that identifying PD vectors in automatic traps was difficult. Future work will focus on integrating these monitoring tools into
management programs focused on improving control for these pests.
1:35- 2:05 Overview of seasonal grape disease management. Dr. Mizuto Nita/ VT
Description: The participants will learn about management strategies on key fungal grape diseases for mid-Atlantic regions. We will discuss critical periods for infection, fungicide resistance issues, and recently introduced fungicide products.
2:10- 2:40 Cost-benefit Comparison of Animal Depredation Control Methods in a Vineyard System- Sarah Bowman/ SCC, Description: Grape growers need economically sustainable methods to manage yield loss due to bird and mammal depredation while maintaining fruit quality. In summer 2020, application of permanent side netting and chemical deterrents were evaluated for their material and labor costs, and impacts on the grapevine fruit-zone microclimate, yield and juice quality. The study was conducted in two wine grape varieties, Cabernet franc and Petit manseng, trained to Vertical Shoot Position trellis and established in Surry Cellars Vineyard. Attend this session for an overview of the results of the study, future research needs, and practical recommendations.
Frost Cheat Sheet with Mark Hoffman/NCSU
Description: How to best manage and mitigate frost damage in vineyards. A short overview of frost protection methods and damage management.
Enology
2:45-3:15 Basic onsite lab- David Bower/ SCC
Description: How to set up your lab for the growing season. Overview of equipment and test capabilities necessary to conduct the basic analyses required for harvest and winemaking, and thoughts on what other tests are beneficial but can be outsourced.
3:20- 3:50 The Enological Toolbox– Michael Jones/ Scott Labs
Description: An overview of enological tools, additives and agents that can be used
throughout the winemaking process. This includes nutrients, fining agents, corrective treatments, and stabilization.
3:55- 4:25 VA, Oxidation & Reduction – Dave Robertson/Wine & Beer Supply
Description: “Mitigating common wine faults in finished wines such as Oxidation and Reduction and the removal of Volatile Acidity with Reverse Osmosis.
4:25- 5:00 Membership Open Forum
