From a Sustainable Appalachian Viticulture Institute press release:
Local winemakers join roundtable at Grape Growers Conference Feb. 26
Winemakers from Biltmore, Lake James Cellars, Burnt Shirt, and Parker-Binns to join Roundtable at 5th Annual Grape Conference
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, N.C., on Thursday, Feb. 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In an effort to expand and support the commercial winemakers of Western North Carolina, the organizers of the 5th Annual Grape Conference will be offering a roundtable discussion staffed by several highly successful winemakers from the WNC region. The featured winemakers joining the roundtable discussion include:
- Josh Fowler – winemaker, Lake James Cellars
- Sharon Fenchak – winemaker, Biltmore Winery
- Justin Taylor – assistant winemaker, Burnt Shirt Vineyards
- Karen Parker-Binns – Winemaker, Parker-Binns Vineyard & Winery
- Alan Staton – owner/winemaker, Cabin Creek Vineyard – VP Education, French Broad Vignerons
Other winemakers & conference attendees will be able to ask questions after the discussion is complete.
The conference will also feature recent developments in grapevines that thrive in the cold and mountainous terrain of our region; wine blending to develop unique tastes and flavors; and a vineyard managers roundtable discussion to address issues specific to the region.
Conference early bird registration fee is $45 paid in advance before midnight Feb. 12. The regular registration fee of $50 will be for those who register between Feb. 13 and noon on Feb. 24. Registration also includes lunch, coffee break refreshments, handouts and free parking. Online registration is now available at www.GrapeSAVI.org until noon on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Walk-in registration for those registering after noon on Feb. 24 will be $55, and there is no guarantee that 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, please contact Chuck Blethen, executive director, Sustainable Appalachian Viticulture Institute, 828-606-3130 or Blethen@GrapeSAVI.org
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