Midwest Wine Press recently compiled current TTB data to arrive at the number of wineries in the Midwest. (This tabulation method entails acceptance of the TTB definition of a winery which is subject to debate.) The number of wineries in the Midwest as defined by the 11 states in the Midwest Wine Press market area is now 1,132. There are now also 43 organized wine trails in the Midwest. … [Read more...]
Top Tips For Controlling Crown Gall
March 27, 2012 By 1 Comment
Crown gall symptoms are characterized by distinct tumor-like overgrowths on roots, trunks, and vines. New galls that form during early summer are light-colored, but they turn dry and corky by late summer. Expansion of galls results in girdling of vines and roots. Suppression of water and nutrient uptake by galls can lead to either rapid vine death or gradual dieback and susceptibility of adverse … [Read more...]
Special Report: Midwest Farmers Markets Wine Regulations
February 24, 2012 By 1 Comment
As more people seek their region’s local foods to purchase, more than 1,000 new farmers markets began operating across the country last year. As of mid-2011, 7,175 farmers markets were recorded, reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Considering that consumer interest in local foods has helped foster interest in regional wines, farmers markets and wineries would seem a natural coupling, … [Read more...]
Kentucky Vineyard Society Wins Large State Grant
February 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment
The Kentucky Vineyard Society has been approved for $515,000 in state Agricultural Development Funds to maintain the Viticulture Extension and Research Program through fiscal year 2014, which includes an extension viticulture specialist, enologist and technicians. “This funding shows Kentucky’s commitment to this still growing industry in providing much needed technical assistance to both … [Read more...]
John Marshall: Frost Damage Protection for the Small Grower
January 19, 2012 By 1 Comment
Here in Minnesota and across much of the Upper Midwest we have had two dramatic frost damage events in the past year and a half. One on Mother’s Day Weekend in Spring 2010 and one this past September 15, 2011. Some growers escaped. Others did not but this has demonstrated clearly how serious these events can be and has made us look toward ways to reduce or escape the damaging effects of late … [Read more...]
Kentucky Brings Home Winning Harvest
October 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The color and flavor of fruit coming from many Kentucky vineyards is remarkable this year, according to Dr. Tom Cottrell, Extension Specialist for Enology at the University of Kentucky in Lexington. "Sugars are high this year," Dr. Cottrell said. "We're seeing reds like Norton, Chambourcin and Cabernet with sugars as high as 24." According to Alicia McGuire, Executive Director of The … [Read more...]
