Purdue News
Purdue News
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December 15, 2000 Conference offers winery and vineyard informationWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – An upcoming conference cosponsored by Purdue University will highlight what it takes to establish a vineyard or winery in the Midwest. "There has been an explosive growth of wine production in the United States over the past 25 years. The annual value has increased from $3.3 billion in 1975 to $18.1 billion in 2000," says Tom Zabadal a member of the conference organizing committee from Michigan State University. In an effort to continue that trend the Heartland Coalition, sponsored by Purdue, Michigan State and Ohio State universities, will host the conference to increase awareness of the wine industry. The Conference on Vineyard and Winery Establishment will be at the Kellogg Biological Station, near Battle Creek, Mich., on Jan. 16 -18. Bruce Bordelon, associate professor of horticulture at Purdue, says grapes are a good alternative agricultural crop in certain parts of Indiana. Grapes do best on high ground in areas where slopes allow cold air to drain away from the vineyard site. This helps prevent damage from frosts. Grapes also do best on well-drained soils that allow the deep-rooted vines to thrive, he says. "There are 22 wineries in Indiana, and they are doing really well. They've been producing award-winning wines," says Bordelon. "However, they have to import grapes from other states because there isn't enough grape acreage in Indiana to support their needs. There is a potential market." Growing conditions and other topics will be covered in sessions such as selecting vineyard sites, projecting vineyard costs and pest management in newly-planted vines. The conference also will highlight the outlook for Midwestern wineries and winery economics. Cost for the convention is $210 without a handbook or $250 with the book. A late registration fee of $25 will be added to every registration received after Dec. 22. Meals are included. To register, access the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center's Web site or contact Tom Zabadal at (616) 944-1477. Dormitory-style lodging is available at the conference site. Lodging costs are: single occupancy $39; double occupancy $28 per person; triple occupancy $22 per person; or quad occupancy for $18 per person. Individuals also may stay at one of two off-site accommodations, the Brook Lodge or the Kalamazoo Best Western Inn. Sources: Bruce Bordelon, (765) 494-8212, bordelon@hort.purdue.edu Tom Zabadal, (616) 944-1477 Writer: Kay Hostetler, (765) 494-8402. Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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