The Midwest School for Beginning Grape Growers, a three-day workshop for anyone planning to start a vineyard business, will be offered March 29-31, 2015 on the UW-Madison campus.

“Wisconsin’s grape industry—both table and wine grapes—is growing,” says John Hendrickson, the school’s coordinator. “From 2007 to 2012, the number of Wisconsin farms growing grapes increased by almost two thirds, and the number of acres planted to grapes increased by more than 70 percent. Our school aims to help beginning growers start and operate a successful grape business.”

This program provides aspiring growers with the in-depth information and tools required to launch a successful vineyard business. Topics covered include market assessment and profitability, site selection and soil preparation, variety selection, pest management, economics, equipment and labor needs.

This course is intended for people who are serious about starting a part-time or full-time vineyard business in the Midwest. The program is designed to meet the diverse interests and needs brought by participants. The course is taught by experienced growers, along with UW-Madison faculty and staff with expertise in grape production.

The Midwest School for Beginning Grape Growers is sponsored by the UW-Madison Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, the IPM Institute of North America, the Wisconsin Grape Growers Association and the Viticulture Enology Science and Technology Alliance (VESTA). Registration for the program costs $375. Enrollment is limited, so early sign-ups are advised. For more information, contact John Hendrickson at (608) 265-3704 or jhendric@wisc.edu, or visit the CIAS web site: https://cias.qa.webhosting.cals.wisc.edu/midwest-school-for-beginning-grape-growers/.