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Beginner's Workshop in 11/20 at AHS AREC!

If you are interested in starting a new vineyard, or just have started, please join our beginner's workshop.

Introduction to mid-Atlantic wine grape production 

Virginia Tech’s AHS Jr. AREC Winchester, VA (Frederick County)
Team-taught program designed for those either exploring grape production or recently engaged in wine grape production. On-site registration will occur from 8:00 to 8:30 am.

Program

8:30 am: Introduction and market opportunities: Tony Wolf, Virginia Tech
9:00 am: Vineyard business planning considerations and Vineyard Calculator – predicted cash flows: Tremain Hatch, Virginia Tech
10:15 am: Lender’s perspective on vineyard enterprises: Marilyn Adams, Farm Credit of the Virginias
10:45 am: Vineyard site evaluation and environmental challenges: Mark Sutphin, VCE
11:30 am: Mapping soil variation and geomorphology to improve vineyard design and performance: Alex Blackburn, Blackburn Consulting Services, LLC
Noon: Lunch: Walk to vineyard to discuss vineyard design
2:15 pm:Variety/clone/rootstock considerations for the mid-Atlantic: Tony Wolf
2:45 pm: Fundamentals of vine management: Tremain Hatch
3:15 pm: Fundamentals of grape integrated disease management: Mizuho Nita, Virginia Tech
4:00 pm: Sustainable Vineyard Management: Beth Sastre, VCE
4:15 pm: New Growers Perspective on Successes and Failures: Karl Hambsch, Loving Cup Vineyard and Winery
5:00 pm: Adjourn

Registration: Registration is $50/person which will also cover lunch. Pre-registration must be received by 17 November.  Please direct questions to Tremain Hatch thatch@vt.edu, (540) 869-2560 ext. 11
 
Workshop will have outdoor component, prepare to be outside rain or shine. 
 
Directions: The AHS Jr. AREC is located in Frederick County, VA (http://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/alson-h- smith/). Directions to the AREC from I-81 can be found here: http://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/alson-h- smith/contact/index.html

Please plan to arrive before 8:15 am on 20 November. We will proceed in high gear starting promptly at 8:30 am.
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