Wineries flourish in Kansas
Amy Jordan
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Although grapes are currently not a major commodity in Kansas, they were at one time, and the interest in growing grapes and making wine is increasing rapidly.
Before prohibition, over 6,000 acres of grapes were grown in Kansas. Currently, there are close to 200 acres of grapes and 13 commercial wineries across the state. Abundant sunshine and adequate soils and moisture make Kansas a good location for grape production. It is a very intensive yet high yielding crop, and the demand for Kansas grapes is large among amateur and commercial wine makers.
The Kansas Grape Growers and Winemakers Association is hosting its annual conference in Emporia January 9-10, 2009. It will be held at the Best Western Motel and the ESU Memorial Union. In addition to conference sessions, there will be an amateur wine judging competition, vendors and a banquet. The featured grape is Noiret and sessions will cover growing Noiret grapes and crafting Noiret wine. The conference is for current growers/winemakers or those interested in commercial production of grapes and wine.
Conference sessions include:
• Wine “faults”
• Starting a small commercial winery: equipment needs and costs
• Inspection procedures and items looked for during a winery inspection.
• ABC monthly reporting requirements and other issues.
• Growing the rich tapestry of Kansas Wines
• A refresher on grape disease management
• Vineyard balance: what is it and how to get it.
• Selecting the appropriate variety
• Introducing the KS-MO Cooperative Viticulture and Enology Program
Speakers include:
• Andy Allen, Extension Associate Viticulturist, Institute for Continental Climate Viticulture & Enology (ICCVE), University of Missouri
• George Blush, Kansas Department of Agriculture
• Rebecca Ford-Kapoor, Extension Associate Enologist, ICCVE, University of Missouri
• Doug Frost, wine consultant and writer, Master Sommelier, Master of Wine
• Tom Groneman, Director, Kansas Division Alcoholic Beverage Control
• Megan Kennelly, Assistant Professor, Extension and Research: Horticultural Crops, Kansas State University
• Doug Moorhead, owner, Presque Isle Wine Cellars, North East, Pennsylvania
• Pat Murphy, Interim Asst Director, Ag and Natural Resources, K-State Research and Extension
• Susie Pryor, Assistant Professor of Marketing, School of Business, Washburn University
• Bruce Reisch , Professor of Horticultural Sciences, Grapevine Breeding and Genetics, Cornell University
• Keith Striegler, Associate Professor MU Viticulturist, ICCVE, University of Missouri
Vendors include the Kansas Department of Commerce, Midwest Grower Supply, Midwest Vineyard Supply, Inc., Kansas Department of Agriculture and Highland Community College.