High Country Winegrower’s Association Viticulture Educational Series

The High Country Winegrower’s Association is proud to announce the Viticulture Educational Series. Beginning in February, 2013, the series shall consist of 12 class meeting and 2 field days. The classes will cover all aspects of growing wine grapes on a commercial basis. Topics to be covered are: Cost & returns of vineyard establishment, vineyard site selection, wine grape varieties, pruning & training, canopy management, disease & insect management, wildlife deterrence, time to pick? And grape contracts.

The viticulture series will cost $100 per person, this will include text book (Wine grape production guide for eastern north America) and all handout materials. Participants, who attend 90% of the classes and pass an after course quiz, will be awarded a certificate suitable for framing. Upon completion of this viticulture series an attendee will be able to find a suitable site for a commercial vineyard, pick suitable grape varieties, manage grape vine growth, choose trellis system, pest management, grape sale marketing and know when to pick.

The viticulture class will be held at the Watauga County Cooperative Extension downstairs offices, located at 971 west King St. Boone, NC. Time of class will be 6 to 9pm on Monday nights, twice per month, February thru June (dates to be posted). Gill Giese will be the instructor for these classes.

The Viticulture Educational Series is made possible by Specialty Crop grant from a USDA program funded by the 2008 farm bill, administered by NCDA&CS and the High Country Winegrower’s Association with administration by PHARMN (Preserving Heritage Agriculture, Regional Markets Now) Goodness Grows in NC.

Sign up date is January 28, 2013 at 7 to 8pm, you will receive your book and class syllabus. Class dates: Feb 11, 25 ; March 11, 25 ; April 8, 22 ; May 13, 27 ; June 10, 24