The VVA announces that it has selected an operator for a mid to late February 2013 escorted tour with industry representatives to the Bordeaux, France AVA. The objective is to meet with scientists, researchers, growers, winemakers, ACA, and broker representatives to discuss new clones, viticulture techniques, winemaking, and marketing issues.
This statement is being issued to alert YOU of the potential of a significant weather event -- JULY 24 for southern West Virginia... the southern half of Virginia and most of North Carolina. During times of significant or major weather events don't forget that frequent updates are usually issued on the FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/WxRisk as it is the fastest way to get information out to everybody.
Following is an update from Doug Pfeiffer at Virginia Tech with links for additional information concerning Spotted Wing Drosophilia. From: Doug Pfeiffer To: Grape Growers From: Doug Pfeiffer, Fruit Entomologist Sent: July 18, 2012 Hello, everyone: Spotted wing drosophila: SWD is expected to be found in more sites following its 2011 collections in Hanover, Sussex, Frederick and Montgomery Counties, plus Virginia Beach. It has been documented in apple cider vinegar traps this season in vineyards and berry plantings in Amherst, Orange and Rappahannock Counties. SWD infestation was found in raspberries in June 2012 in Montgomery County, and in blackberries in Amherst [...]
The Fauquier County Board of Supervisors will vote today, July 12 at 6:30pm on an ordinance that will severely restrict Farm Winery operations in that county. It not only places burdensome regulations on existing operations, it will potentially stop further development in Fauquier and is contrary to State Code. Katie Hellebush, Executive Director of the VWC has issued a Call To Action that all supporters of the Virginia Wine Industry contact the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors and tell them NOT to support the proposed ordinance. For details Click here
The 2011 Commercial Grape Report is now available. This report includes industry data on grape production and acreage by variety, pricing by variety, and production and acreage by county. This year marks the second time the Virginia Wine Board Marketing Office has managed the annual Commercial Grape Report (CGR) data collection and reporting. Prior to 2010, the CGR was produced by NASS (National Agricultural Statistics Service). The survey questions were identical to those used by NASS; however, the capture of information was slightly different. The 2010 and 2011 surveys drew upon exact data provided by Virginia grape producers. Read the report: [...]
The VVA was fortunate to have Mark Chien from Penn State Cooperative Extension as their guest at the recent Summer Technical meeting. He is one of the industries leading researchers and educators on the East Coast and is a wealth of information. We often post his newsletters here, and the Penn State viticulture website is worth regular visits. http://pawinegrape.com/ He has written an excellent review of the Canopy Management Workshop conducted at the technical meeting. Read it here: Canopy Management workshop notes_Mark Chien
Dr. Tony Wolf has released the latest edition of his Viticulture Notes. It includes a review of the VVA Summer Technical Canopy Management Workshop as well as discussion on Japanese Beetles and Grape Tumid Galls. Read it here: June-2012_Vit-Notes
The VVA held its annual Summer Technical Meeting and Summer Social on June 14th and 15th. The event was hosted by Dr. Tony Wolf and his team at the Alison H. Smith, Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Winchester VA. The weather was great and the research center was the perfect venue. Set against the back drop of the gorgeous Frederick County countryside, the two day event was filled with timely information regarding canopy management and spray technologies. The Thursday session focused on canopy management and included presentations by Alan Lasko from Cornell University, Fritz Westover from Texas AgriLife Extension Service [...]
The cap has been met for the 2012 VVA Summer Technical. Those who have registered have been sent a confirmation email. 2012 Registered Participants
The Spring 2012 VVA Grape Press is out. This issue includes in-depth coverage of the season from the various regions and a number of very interesting articles covering everything from bio-diversity in the vineyard to skin diseases common to grape growers/farmers. You will also find updates and information on Grape Berry Moth, Grapevine Leafroll Disease, Grape Root Borer and the Virginia Wine Council. As always, we post the current Grape Press here and also archive it on the Resources page for easy access. Spring 2012 VVA Grape Press
