North Carolina vineyard owners and others interested in the state’s rapidly growing viticulture industry will gather on Thursday, Feb. 26, for the fifth annual Grape Growers Conference at the Madison County Cooperative Extension auditorium in Marshall. The event, organized jointly by the Sustainable Appalachian Viticulture Institute, Jewel of the Blue Ridge Vineyard and the French Broad Vignerons, will provide opportunities to learn about growing cold-hardy grapes in North Carolina. Early-bird registration is only $45 (including lunch) through Feb. 12.
Following is a press release about the event from the French Broad Vignerons:
Viticulture Conference brings Viticulture Specialists to Madison County
On Thursday, February 26, 2015, the Sustainable Appalachian Viticulture Institute, Jewel of the Blue Ridge Vineyard, and the French Broad Vignerons, will host the 5th Annual Grape Growers Conference in the Madison County Cooperative Extension auditorium in Marshall NC. Come learn how to participate in the fastest growing industry in North Carolina that provides over $1.5 billion economic impact in NC. The all-day conference will feature speakers from around North Carolina who will share information on everything from growing cold-hardy grapes to making wine. The goal of the ongoing Grape Growers Conference is to expand its participation by commercial growers, wineries and craft beverage makers across the region.
“There will be interesting speakers with useful information to help you grow cold-hardy grapes in the mountains” says Chuck Blethen, the conference organizer. The Sustainable Appalachian Viticulture Institute was formed five years ago to provide educational opportunities in organic and biodynamic viticulture for cold-hardy grapes in Western North Carolina. Studies of other similar regions show the economic impact of the many businesses and jobs that are created from the grape industry. More than 150 different products can be derived from grapes including preserves, balsamic vinegar, paper, bio-fuel for energy generation, pigments for paints, neutraceuticals and many other value-added products. Wine is just one product, but a very important one, that helps create tourism in the grape-growing regions. Chuck also states “Western North Carolina has the right soils, the right amount of rain in most areas, the right climate, and farmers who know how to grow things. The farmers who own their land, have farming equipment, and have a long heritage of growing crops on the steep slopes of the mountains are our most valuable resources.”
The conference Early Bird registration fee is $45 paid in advance before midnight February 12. Registration fee includes lunch, coffee break refreshments, handouts, and free parking. From February 13 to February the registration cost online will be $50. Online registration is now available at www.GrapeSAVI.org until noon on Tuesday, February 24.
Registration fee includes lunch, coffee break refreshments, handouts, and free parking. (Walk-in registration will be $55 but will not guarantee a lunch will be available.) People who register in advance will receive a copy of the agenda and directions to the conference location.
For additional information about the upcoming conference, schedule a TV appearance or radio interview, please contact Chuck Blethen, Executive Director, Sustainable Appalachian Viticulture Institute, 828-606-3130 or email Blethen@GrapeSAVI.org
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