3-Day School For New Grape Growers

The University of Wisconsin Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems (CIAS), Wisconsin Grape Growers Association, the IPM Institute of North America and VESTA, the Viticulture Enology Science and Technology Alliance, are organizing a three-day intensive school for beginning grape growers in the Midwest.

Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, March 29-31, 2015. 
You bring your interest and hopes for your own vineyard business. We expose you to what you need to know and plan for as you plant grapes and grow.  This intensive, three-day course gives you a realistic picture of what it takes to start and operate a successful vineyard business–including capital, management, labor and other resources. Topics covered include market assessment and profitability, site selection and soil preparation, variety selection, pest management, economics, equipment and labor needs.

What do we offer?

• A unique program that combines knowledge from experienced growers and regional experts.
• Learn essential concepts in vineyard management and what it takes to succeed in the business.
• Spend extended time with experienced growers and gather invaluable tips and practical know-how.
• Network and learn from fellow growers and entrepreneurs.

Program highlights
This class affords the opportunity to immerse yourself into the realities of grape growing with a team of instructors who share your enthusiasm. We do more than scratch the surface on topics such as variety selection and pest management; rather, we take a deeper dive to expose you to the information and tools required to launch a successful vineyard business. Our goal is to start you on a path toward a sustainable and profitable business. Over the three days we will discuss the joys and challenges of operating a farm business in addition to growing grapes in the Midwest.

Is this workshop right for you?
This course is intended for people who are serious about starting an orchard business in the Midwest. To learn more about this school, contact John Hendrickson at the Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, UW-Madison, (608) 265-3704 or jhendric@wisc.edu.

For more information and application materials contact:

John Hendrickson
Phone: (608) 265-3704
E-mail: jhendric@wisc.edu