July 30, 2012

Summer Viticulture Day set for Aug. 11

by Jackie Welch

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The Department of Plant, Soil Science & Agricultural Systems in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s College of Agricultural Sciences is hosting Summer Viticulture Day 2012 on Aug. 11 and everyone is welcome.

"Preparing for the Viticulture Challenges of the Next Decade"is the focus of this event.  Those attending will hear presentations from viticulture and wine experts as well as industry panels including experienced growers and wine makers.  Owners, managers and technicians from established vineyards and wineries will be able to re-evaluate goals, directions and methods of producing high-quality grapes for local wines. 

Those considering or actively planning to establish a vineyard won’t want to miss the presentation. It will highlight the problems, solutions and options relative to the viticulture industry. The event will also address coping with the severe drought during the harvest and post-harvest season.

The Summer Viticulture Day 2012 is set for 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11, in Room 166 of the Agriculture Building, 1205 Lincoln Drive on the SIU Carbondale campus.

The registration fee covers participation in Summer Viticulture Day and a 2013 membership in the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association (IGGVA). The registration fee is $285 for commercial wineries with production of more than 50,000 gallons, $185 for commercial wineries with production of less than 50,000 gallons, $110 for commercial vineyards with one or more acres, $85 for non-voting friends of the industry and vineyards of less than one acre, and $55 for additional individuals affiliated with any of the non-voting organizations.

To register or for more information, contact the Division of Continuing Education at 618/536-7751 or visit https://www.dce.siu.edu/.