As we head ever faster toward Harvest 2025, I’d like to take a moment to update you on a few things.
In March, the 2024 Commercial Grape Report was released to vineyards and wineries who responded to the surveys regarding last year’s plantings and harvest. If you have not received the report, please check that you did fill out the survey(s). If you feel like you were left out in error, please contact us, and we’ll assist you with that. Meanwhile, the report will be released broadly closer to the end of July.
2024 saw a continued reduction in a loss of bearing acreage, but that loss was seen in hybrid varietals, while there was an increase in vinifera. That said, even with an average loss in bearing acreage, and during a very dry season, the average tonnage across the state was up!
As we move forward as a more nationally recognized industry, it’s important that we continue to gather data related to our vineyards and wineries annually and compile the Commercial Grape Report. States like Oregon, Washington, New York, and California continue to produce annual commercial reports, and by adding our state to this list, we only grow the recognition of the quality grapes produced in Virginia and the wines that come from them. By engaging in this type of reporting, we also aid in the sale of our fruit across state lines.
If you would like to participate or haven’t received a survey in the past year, please reach out to us so we can correct that!
As we hit the middle of June, the VVA is excited to finalize our plans for the Summer Technical Meeting. Having listened to requests and suggestions from our members, we decided to host this year’s STM during veraison.
We’ll be gathering at the AREC in Winchester on July 31st.
With the morning spent in the research vineyards and then moving undercover as the day gets hotter, topics will include tissue sampling during veraison, exclusion netting for controlling SLF, a panel on late season spray strategies, reviving/replanting after truck disease, as well closer looks at the research being carried out at the AREC that will directly benefit our growers!
Lunch is included in your registration fee, and as always, there will be time afterward to enjoy a glass of wine and catch up with fellow growers.
Registration can be found here.
Keep an eye out as we move closer to fall and post-harvest. We’ll be hosting regional meetings to capture your ideas and thoughts for future technical meetings and workshops, as well as catch up on how everyone’s harvest went and socialize.
As always, if you’re interested in joining us as a member or chair of a committee, please reach out. Not only is it a great way to help the VVA help you, but it’s also an invaluable way for many of us to stay connected across the state.
I look forward to seeing everyone in just over a month in Winchester.
Aj Greely – VVA President, Winemaker Hark Vineyards