Kansas loves grapes too
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Kansas is not well known for grape production, but it is gradually on the rise.
Kansas soils are adaptable to grape vine growth, abundant sunshine for fruit development, and available water for irrigation, which are a few factors that encourage successful grape production.
According to the Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas has a rich history in grape growing and wine making.
- 1880 — Kansas became the first state to outlaw the manufacture and sale of alcohol through a constitutional amendment. Over time, vineyards became non-existent.
- 1901 — 5,668 acres of grapes were still being produced.
- 1919 — 18th amendment beginning National Prohibition was passed.
- 1933 — National Prohibition ended, but Kansas did not allow wineries until 1985 with the passage of the Farm Winery Act.
- 2004 — Kansas wineries had nearly $1.2 million in sales, with the industry employing 42 full-time workers and 67 part-time employees with a payroll of nearly $1 million. Many vineyards rely on volunteer labor for pruning and harvesting.
- 2005 — 170 acres of grapes were grown in Kansas.
- 2005 — 13 Kansas wineries produced 50,000 gallons of wine. Six of the wineries opened within the past year.
There are opportunities for expansion of grape production across the state based on the demand for grapes by Kansas wineries.
A workshop on grape production will occur this Saturday, Nov. 18 at the K-State Research and Extension- Lyon County meeting room at 618 Commercial St. in Emporia. The workshop, sponsored by the Kansas Grape Growers and Wine makers Association, will provide participants with information on grape production, working with wineries, and marketing of grapes. Individuals considering grape production on a small or large scale, or those currently in production will benefit from this educational event.
Registration will begin at 9 a.m. and sessions will continue until 4:30 p.m. Presenters include Dr. Sorkel Kadir, Fruit Scientist; Dave Cairns, Vinland de la Cairns; John Brewer, Wyldwood Cellars; and Sarah Larison, Marketing Specialist, Ag Marketing Division, Dept. of Commerce. The cost of the workshop is $10 for members of the Kansas Grape Growers and Wine makers Association, or $15 for non-members; lunch included.
Pre-registration for the workshop is not required. Parking for the Lyon County Extension meeting room is off of Mechanic St., west of the Emporia Arts Council and Public Library. For more information about the workshop, contact the Lyon County Extension Office at 620- 341-3220.