northern tier the
A Publication of The Minnesota Grape Growers Association
winter 2014
Pre-Conference Issue
polar vortex great wine is made in the vineyard
m Reg ng is ra te pe r a s. t or g
re g
Keynote Speaker Keith Bown Vice President, Constellation Brands
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sommelier training
G i v e YO u R v i n e s A ‘ vO R te x’ O f n utR iti O n fO R H e A li n G A n d Y i e ld.
2014 was a tough winter. It’s no wonder vineyard tonnage came up short. Now it’s time to have a plan to rebound in 2015. Yield and quality can be better than ever with the Agro-K nutrition program developed specifically for wine grapes. Kind weather would be nice, too, but don’t count on it. Agro-K provides grape growers with science-based crop nutrition information and comprehensive nutrient programs to help regrow and rebuild the vine’s carrying capacity. If you have put the vines to bed with post-harvest applications of phosphorus, potassium, zinc and magnesium, that’s a great start on next year’s production. But much more depends on your in-season plan. The vines damaged last winter can still have lingering effects in 2015. When they awaken next spring consistent and frequent tissue testing will help guide fertility input decisions to achieve and maintain desired
nutrient balances. Based on testing results, Agro-K’s customized foliar feeding recommendations will help stimulate early growth and a strong, uniform fruit set. Additional season-long foliar nutrient inputs go hand-in-hand with building grape quality that ultimately creates superb wine. To revive and sustain vine vigor and assure optimal returns in your vineyard, start planning now to capitalize on an individually tailored Agro-K nutrition program. Agro-K can help provide all essential nutrients for every growth milestone of the season – from root and leaf growth to shoot development and elongation to cell division and cell bulking. We have you covered every step of the way. Let Agro-K help you minimize vine stress next year to continue the vine recovery process and maximize grape yield and quality in 2015.
Call 800-328-2418, visit www.agro-k.com, or email info@agro-k.com.
AGRO-K CORpORAtiOn 8030 Main Street, NE • Minneapolis, MN 55432 800-328-2418 • www.agro-k.com
Science Driven Nutrition™
© 2014 Agro-K Corporation
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Winter 2014
northern tier the
Table of Contents 5 From the President Irv Geary
5 From the Director Steve Unverzagt
9 Keynote Overview Keith Bown, Vice President, Winemaking and Viticulture Constellation Brands
10 Great Wine is Made in the Vineyard Ethan Joseph, Shelburne Vineyard
12 Sommelier Training
Ben Banks, winemaker Sovereign Estate Wine
International Wine and Spirits Guild
14 At Home on the Estate Gold Cup Winner, Sovereign Estate Wine
Conference Director | Steve Unverzagt
16 Conference Schedule
MGGA Administrative Director | Missy Machkhashvili
20 Exhibitor Map
NorthernTierAdvertising@gmail.com | 651-493-7020
21 Exhibitor List
Advertising contact: Subscription and address changes: subscriptions@mngrapes.org
23 Polar Vortex Observations Peter Hemstad
24 Meet the Speakers 28 CCC Job Fair Cover photo by Dave Hansen
The Northern Tier magazine is published bi-annually in the fall and spring/summer by the Minnesota Grape Growers Association. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior consent of the MGGA.
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‘‘La Crescent’ grape (USPP 14,617) ‘‘Frontenac gris’ grape (USPP 16,478)
COLD HARDY GRAPES
Produce Gold Medal Wines
‘Marquette’ grape (USPP 19,579) Cold climate growers now look forward to a future filled with cold hardy and disease resistant grapes that produce award-winning wines. Decades of University of Minnesota research led to the development of wine grape cultivars that are setting the standard in cold climate viticulture. ‘Marquette’, ‘Frontenac gris’, and ‘La Crescent’ grape varieties are patented in the US and Plant Variety Rights are pending in Canada and other territories. Propagation of these varieties is prohibited without a license. To obtain a license, visit www.license.umn.edu and Search Keyword: Grape. Please purchase U of M grape varieties from Licensed Nurseries listed at www.grapes.umn.edu. Plus, see the rapidly growing list of exceptional medal winning wines, produced from U of M cold hardy grapes.
The University of Minnesota is committed to protecting its patented varieties and will ensure its rights against unlicensed propagators. ©2014 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.
notes from the
president
Irv Geary
T
he Minnesota Grape Growers Association will be holding our 11th annual Cold Climate Conference this February 5th through 7th. I remember the very first Cold Climate Conference as if it was yesterday and I am amazed to look back at the changes our local industry has made since that time. Many of our functions are still the same, but the amount of change has shown us that we need to look forward to where we want to be eleven years from this conference. On that journey of looking into the next eleven years, I see our industry becoming a much larger player in the total wine market through continued consumer education. That is why this year we have invited Danny Wood from Midwest Wine Press to present on what other states are doing to create their regional wine marketing and promotions. In
New Year – New Opportunities!
O
ver the past 11 years, the Cold Climate Conference has evolved to become THE conference for cold climate growers and wine makers. Again this year, our expert Conference presenters from across the US northern tier and Canada will offer insights and solutions to our unique grape growing and wine making challenges. Over several months, the CCC Committee made important changes to make the 2015 Conference bigger, better and more meaningful for our MGGA members and others in the industry: • A new location, the newly remodeled Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Minneapolis. • More Trade Show space available for more exhibitors! • Reduced Exhibitor booth pricing, so more products will be available for you in the Trade Show. • Discounted registration rates for .Gov and .Edu Attendees • Reduced Attendee pricing, with Early Bird and MGGA Member discounts. • Reduced daily meal costs, even a la carte meal options. • Free Student registrations, including a one-year membership in the MGGA. • Member discounts offered to neighboring state association Members. • Sommelier training, a 10-hour Certificate class offered through the International Wine Guild. • First annual CCC Job Fair for our growing industry – sponsored by VESTA.
looking to the future, I believe we will see more micro distilleries coming into production which is why we are offering one of the first such seminars on our Thursday workshop this year. Looking ahead, I believe we will need to see our vineyards become sustainable businesses in good years and bad. Two of our speakers will be presenting on how this past winter affected us, and how to repair the damage. Another presenter will be showing us sustainable vineyard operations in Washington, for us to use as a model as we progress ahead. In attending the CCC over the last eleven years, I am amazed by the knowledge presented and have unquestionably learned something new each year. The one sure constant is that our industry will continue to evolve as we progress into the future and we will always need to learn new trends and techniques. Learning from others can hasten our learning curve and help our industry become more sustainable from the growers planting their first vines, to the retailer selling their final product. So join me at the 2015 Cold Climate Conference and together let’s forge the future of our industry. Irv Geary MGGA, President
notes from the
director
Steve Unverzagt
This year, we’re also expecting many top Minneapolis restaurants to participate in the 2nd Annual Winter Wine Out – Dining in Minneapolis program during the conference. Gold and Double Gold award-winning wines from the 2014 International Cold Climate Wine Competition will be paired with several top chefs’ tasting menus. Should be a real treat for our conference attendees and also for local foodies looking for an exceptional dining experience! And finally, we’re planning a larger public promotion for the 2015 Winter Wine Fest tasting event – to shine the local media spotlight on MGGA Member wineries and local, hand-crafted, artisan foods. What a line-up we have prepared for this year’s Conference! It’s a new year – with new opportunities. Hope to see you there! Cheers! Steve Unverzagt Conference Director www.thenortherntier.com
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Scenes from the Cold Climate Conference 2014
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Save the Date! Registration Now Open
Register at mngrapes.org
February 5-7, 2015 Hyatt Regency Hotel Minneapolis MN
Celebrating 11 years as the largest conference in the Midwest dedicated to cold climate grape growing and wine making!
EXPANDED TRADE SHOW! INDUSTRYJOB FAIR sponsored by VESTA ASSOCIATION MEETING SPACE! One Day Workshop Intensive Plus, 3 Contiguous Tracks in Viticulture, Enology and Business REGISTRATION DISCOUNTS FOR: Early Bird Deadlines Multiple Registrations Student Registrations Association Members SPECIAL EVENTS: • Winter Wine Out — Dining in Minneapolis Thursday, February 5, 2015 • Winter Wine Fest Friday, February 6, 2015 • Gold Medal Gala Saturday, February 7, 2015
Dining in Minneapolis
2nd annual
Winter Wine Out Feb 5
7:30-9:00 p.m.
Best Local Wines | Best Local Chefs | Best Local Restaurants Cold Climate wines are now being served at several top restaurants in downtown Minneapolis! During the Conference, Gold and Double Gold ICCWC winning wines will be paired with unique, chef-inspired, wine-paired meals. Thursday is the night reserved for CCC attendees, Friday and Saturday the restaurants will be serving these wines and delicious dishes to local Foodies looking for a unique Minnesota experience! Look for more information in the Conference Program.
Presented by
minnesota grape growers association
platinum sponsor
platinum sponsor
keynote overview Keith Bown
gold sponsors
silver sponsor
endorsed by
T
his year’s Cold Climate Conference keynote address will take us through the years of one of North America’s premium brands. As Canada’s Original Estate Winery, Inniskillin is a respected pioneer committed to producing premium wines from premium grapes grown in Canada for over 35 years. With wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario and the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Inniskillin offers a full collection of world renowned, awardwinning VQA Icewines and table wines. Vice President of Winemaking and Viticulture at Constellation Brands, Keith Bown will share pivotal moments in the development of Inniskillin.
For example, in 1991 Inniskillin received the prestigious Grand Prix d’Honneur Award at Vinexpo, France for Karl’s 1989 Vidal Icewine. This was a major turning point, thrusting Inniskillin into the international limelight and establishing major credibility as a serious wine producer, whilst simultaneously lifting the profile of Canadian wines in general. From an initial focus on Vidal and unoaked Icewine, Inniskillin has progressed into other suitable varieties such as Riesling and Cabernet Franc together with some oak aging with Vidal. The introduction of Sparkling Icewine for the Millennium set a new trend. Inniskillin seems to see the future focus as growing the Sparkling Icewine market and concentrating on being true to the characteristics of the three main varieties – but we’ll leave those predictions to Mr. Bown. Please join us at the Cold Climate Conference in Minneapolis February 5th through 7th. Find us online at www.mngrapes.org.
SEAL OF PERFECTION free samples • www.walterjelly.com • 608.831.1405
Central Lakes College partners with the Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance (VESTA) to offer online classes taught by industry leaders. Students gain hands-on practical experience through mentoring with local vineyards and wineries. VESTA is a partnership of Universities, Two-Year Colleges, State Agricultural Agencies, Vineyards and Wineries in 19 states. Visit us online at www.vesta-usa.org for more details.
Hotel Partner
Central Lakes College students can achieve an Associate of Applied Science Degree or Technical Certificate with online general education courses to complement VESTA technical courses. Also provided to our students is help in receiving financial assistance and finding mentors through the local Minnesota vineyards and wineries. A vineyard, pilot winery and laboratory, used for on site classes, are located at the Central Lakes College Ag and Energy Center in Staples, MN. For more information or questions contact Dennis: demsliedrummond@clmn.edu
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Photo by Dave Hansen
Great Wine is Made in the Vineyard
S
By Ethan Joseph
ince its release in 2006, Marquette has established itself as the premier cold climate red winegrape for quality dry red processing. At Shelburne Vineyard, we recognized this early on, and now Marquette comprises nearly a third of our total production and almost the entirety of our red wine program. We attribute much of our success to sound viticultural practices and careful winemaking. In our vineyards, we farm Marquette like a high value grape destined for premium dry red production. This requires diligent labor and well timed practices. I am a firm believer that a balanced vine creates the best wine, so we routinely assess vegetative growth and yield, and use crop load to help moderate Marquette’s naturally high vigor. We also execute a rigorous canopy management strategy for the same reason. Because most of our vines are cordon-spur pruned, one or more shoot thinning passes is necessary to remove latent buds and/or secondaries, or to moderate shoot growth in the early spring. Leaf pulling begins shortly after bloom and follow-up passes are continued to maintain fruit exposure. Combing and lateral removal in the fruiting zone are also performed.
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These practices are implemented to ensure maximum fruit exposure to the sun and to encourage quick drying following a rain event. Nevertheless, a strict spray schedule is also followed to help ensure fruit integrity. We modify our protocol depending on the weather, but our goal is ripe, clean fruit, so we make informed decisions about what to spray when and stay ahead of disease. The cliché is true, great wine is made in the vineyard, and our Marquette stands as a testament to that. However, solid winemaking practices are also necessary to transform the fruit into an award winning wine. We expect Marquette to be harvested with no more than 26.5 Brix, less than 12.0 g/L TA, and pH between 3.1-3.2, with adequate flavor development. Sugar accumulation is more rapid than either acid degradation or phenolic maturation, so avoiding excessive Brix is an important consideration. Acids are easily managed through inoculation with MLB and our winemaking techniques aim to maximize Marquette’s low tannin profile. You can learn more about Shelburne Vineyard’s award winning Marquette during my presentation, “Making Award Winning Wines: Two Successful Winemakers Perspectives,” at the upcoming Cold Climate Conference, hosted by the Minnesota Grape Growers Association in Minneapolis from February 5th through 7th. I will also be participating in a panel discussion about best practices for Marquette and other cold climate varieties at the conference. Hope to see you there.
Congratulations! After judging 284 entries, from 59 wineries in 11 states...
the highest honors go to: Minnesota Governor’s Cup Sovereign Estate Wine Waconia, Minnesota La Crescent
Best of Show Red wine Shelburne Vineyard Shelburne, Vermont 2012 Marquette Reserve
Best of Show white wine Danzinger Vineyards Alma, Wisconsin 2013 Golden Sunrise
Best of Show specialty/fortified Door 44 Winery Sturgeon Bay, WI Bubbler, Sparkling Wine
Winery
State Wine Name
Double Gold Famous Fossil Vineyard & Winery Parley Lake Winery Feather River Vineyards Tug Hill Vineyards Tug Hill Vineyards Lincoln Peak Vineyard Danzinger Vineyards Danzinger Vineyards Cold Country Vines & Wines
IL MN NE NY NY VT WI WI WI
Fireside Red Marquette Edelweiss 43 Lat Blush Cuvée Rosé Black Sparrow Golden Sunrise River Paradise La Crescent
Gold Dubuque Heritage Winery Galena Cellars Galena Cellars Leigh’s Garden Winery Crow River Winery Parley Lake Winery Parley Lake Winery Sovereign Estate Sovereign Estate Woodland Hill Winery Two Rivers Vineyard & Winery Glacial Hill Shelburne Vineyard North Branch Vineyards Dancing Dragonfly Winery Dancing Dragonfly Winery Danzinger Vineyards Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery Sinnipee Valley Vineyard & Winery Door 44 Winery Door 44 Winery
IA IL IL MI MN MN MN MN MN MN MN NE VT VT WI WI WI WI WI WI WI WI WI
Washington Park Cherry Eric the Red Effervescence de Frontenac Gris Marquette Red Coyote Frontenac Gris La Crescent La Crescent St. Therese Rosé Tickled Pink Granny’s Favorite Brianna Marquette Reserve Frontenac Gris Ballet Charleston Late Harvest St. Pepin La Crescent Glacier Fumé Carl’s Wild Grape Rustic Road Red Door Bubbler
www.thenortherntier.com
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From the
International Wine & Spirits Guild
t the International Wine Guild, we value each student’s desire to learn, and we want to become your Educational Partner as you explore all aspects of wine and its deep roots in world history. Whether you are studying for enjoyment, changing careers, starting your own wine business, working toward a promotion or a new position in the wine and hospitality industry, we have a program tailored to fit your specific needs. We’re proud to say that we have educated more than 3,000 graduates from all 50 states and 14 countries. We have been recognized as one of the Top 5 Wine Schools
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by Food and Wine Magazine and we’ve been named one of the Top Wine Schools for Enthusiasts by the Wall Street Journal. This is all just to say that you’ll be in good company if you join us at the Cold Climate Conference this year. The basic wine seminar is a professional caliber introductory course of study designed for individuals who desire to learn more about wine. The focus of this introductory course is to develop a basic knowledge of wine, wine evaluation, wine description and wine and food pairing. There are no pre-requisites for this course and it is open to everyone, regardless of knowledge of wine or industry experience.
All classes are taught by a Guild Wine Master or a Master Wine Educator. In the Level I Wine Seminar Program, you will: • Have a great experience. • Taste at least 30 wines from three continents. • Receive 150 pages of handout material prepared specifically for this seminar. • Learn about old world wines and new world wines, focusing on France, Italy and the United States. • Learn basic wine and food pairing concepts • Receive a diploma, membership card and membership pin.
Our National Education and Training Center is located in Denver’s historic Lower Downtown district. This one-of-a-kind school combines classic architecture with modern classrooms, library, wine cellar, offices and even a commercial kitchen. We have a learning environment designed to meet the highest standards of excellence and provide a world class wine education.
Depending upon your background and professional needs, the Guild offers the option of earning one of three different diplomas upon successful completion of the seminar. These are: • Wine Sommelier • Wine Manager • Cellar Manager (for the enthusiast not in the wine trade)
The International Wine Guild is approved to provide Veterans education benefits via Chapter 30, 31, 32, 35, 1606, 1607 as well as Title 32 Benefits (post-9/11 benefits) at our National Training Center in Denver, Colorado only. We can accept MyCCA program benefits at any of our locations in the US. To register for the 10-hour Certificate class offered at the CCC, please visit www.internationalwineguild.com and click through to the Minneapolis location.
many thanks to: Spark Creative Group & Heritage Printing for our new look!
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We are the only approved vocational wine school in the US to offer certifications in three areas: Technical Certifications (wine, spirits, and sake), Instructor Certifications and Wine Judge Certifications.
The wine seminar has also been approved by the ACFEI (American Culinary Federation Education Institute) for 4 continuing education units.
Vice
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At Home On The Estate A Visit with the International Cold Climate Wine Competition Governor’s Cup Winner
S
By Peter McNiff, photography by Ben Banks
overeign Estate Winery is, from its roots, a family affair. The grounds of this picturesque manor are beautifully appointed; guests are encouraged to explore the many gardens and seven acre vineyard. A large patio adorns the side of the spacious tasting room and, on most days during “the season,” live music softly provides a comfortable and welcoming ambiance. Situated just 30 minutes southwest of Minneapolis on the northern shore of Lake Waconia, a 3,000 acre body of water, Sovereign Estate Winery is a destination onto itself. The bright blue water provides a gorgeous backdrop to the whole scene. The scent of the nearby lake and the distinct aroma of fresh gourmet pizza add to the sensory experience. One would never have guessed that just seven years ago this fantastic destination was a private family estate. Paul and Terri Savaryn were married in 2006, Paul brought five children and Terri four children (adult children) into this new union – and their “Yours, Mine and Ours” modern family took shape. The north shore property has been in Paul’s family since 1970, his father John had envisioned an apple orchard or other fruit growing on the south facing downward slope section of the property closest to the big lake, but those plans never materialized. At one point the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center (HRC) made it known that they would like to use the land to research grape growing. In 2007, after consulting with Peter Hemstad at the HRC, the family decided to plant 100 Marquette vines – just to see how they would do. After all the growing conditions seemed ideal: a south facing downward slope, close proximity to a large body of water which acts as a temperature buffer that aids in delaying bud
16 the northern tier | winter 2014
break in the spring and it also prevents late season frost, great wind flow as the acreage is not blocked by dense tree lines... why not see how that first crop performs. The thought at the time of planting the first vines was that the grapes could be a kitsch agricultural operation with potential supplemental income, beautiful scenery to have on the property – kind of a fun little project. Well, the vines were doing very well a year later and, after much discussion, the family decided to plant another 3,500 vines on their beautiful lake front. Making the commitment to grow grapes gave the family three or four years to decide what to do with the harvest. At that time they were not committed to make wine and over the few years of caring for the vines, and consulting their nearby neighbors at the HRC, the family’s discussions gravitated toward wine making. The MAST program (an international educational exchange program) provided helpful, knowledgeable workers that first year of winemaking. Terri’s son, Ben Banks, underwent a huge learning curve and managed the process successfully. In 2011 he was firmly in command of the winemaking operation and a “new normal” took hold at Sovereign Estate. The name of the operation honors Paul’s family roots – Savaryn means Sovereign in Ukranian. A befitting name for a their family business. Let’s hear from Terri and Ben directly…
Q How did the conversation start in 2007 to plant 100 Marquette vines?
Terri: There are several versions of this story circulating depending on how much wine we have consumed when we tell it. Here is absolute truth. At my first family dinner,
Paul and Terri Savaryn
as a new bride in Minnesota, I learned from Paul’s sister Brenda, who was taking a Wines and Vines class at the University of Minnesota, that our farm was an excellent location for a vineyard and she thought we should plant some grapes. I nearly spit my Brunello across the table. “What!... we can grow grapes here? Who said so? Give me his number!” Within days I had contacted Peter Hemstad from the Horticultural Research Center, who paid us a visit. He advised us to plant 100 vines, see how they would do and see if this is something we would like to pursue. It was excellent advice. Over another glass of wine watching the sunset over the cornfields Paul and I said... “Let’s do this!”
Q
What can we do to raise the bar of the perception of quality in MN wines? Terri: The best way to change the perception of quality is to actually IMPROVE the quality of grapes coming from our growers. I have seen great strides in the last few years, but there is still much work to do in the vineyards. I believe there is an opportunity to create outstanding Minnesota wines if the agricultural commitment continues to grow. Because there are too few grapes to go around, wineries are blending for volume because we are wanting to make this a profitable venture. When the Minnesota vineyards increase in acreage and the winemakers can be selective about quality of product the wines will improve!
Q
bold dry red, a dry rose’, and a sweet rose’. I’ll start by assessing the strength of our own vineyard to see which of those styles our grapes can fulfill. In a good year we can get up to 500 gallons each of Marquette, La Crescent, and Frontenac Blanc. I like to make our estate wines on the dry side, but if their chemistry for that season has particularly high acids then I may leave a bit of residual sugar for balance. Then, I will select grapes from other growers to match the needs that my own grapes do not account for. For example, in 2013, our La Crescent was on the dry side, so I made a Seyval Blanc on the sweet side. For 2014, however, I am planning to do the reverse.
Q
How many barrels/bottles of wine do you produce each season? Ben: This year we are hoping to produce about 40,000 bottles, with plans to expand the winery soon. This would include a proper barrel room for extended aging, which I am looking forward to.
Q
Do you expect much variance in the volume from year to year? Ben: Hopefully our production volume will keep increasing with demand. We want to keep growing, of course, but we want to be in balance with the market too. To that end, we are doing our best to get people excited about the wine industry in Minnesota, often by partnering with other local wineries for cross promotion and by making the best wine we can.
How do you decide what types of wine you will produce with your harvest ? Ben: We know that our customers have a lot of different wine styles they prefer, so I plan to make a gamut of wine to suit those needs. It typically means: a dry white, an aromatic white, a sweet white, and light dry red, a
Thank you both so much for spending time with us today, and once again, congratulations on the ICCWC Governor’s Gold award. We wish you the very best for the future and look forward to more wonderful wine from Sovereign Estate Wine. www.thenortherntier.com
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Conference Schedule Best Practices Workshop Registration Opens at 7:00 AM
Thursday
enology
8:00 — 10:00 AM
> NICOLLET D DISTILLING 101 Lee Lutes Black Star Farms
PITFALLS (to avoid) OF ARTISAN DISTILLERS Rob Schellhorn Department of Treasury—TTB
10:00 — 12:00 PM
ADVANCED DISTILLING TECHNIQUES Lee Lutes
viticulture > NICOLLET B/C VINEYARD BUSINESS PLANNING AND BUDGETING Paul Domoto IA State University
VINEYARD SITE SELECTION AND PLANTING PREPARATIONS John Marshall Great River Vineyard Lake Pepin Winery
business > LAKESHORE C Continental Breakfast
8:00 AM LEVEL 1 COURSE SOMMELIER TRAINING 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Claude Robbins International Wine and Spirits Guild
Black Star Farms
12:00 — 1:00 PM
1:00 — 2:00 PM
2:00 — 3:00 PM
Lunch Break • Garden Court
CRAFT DISTILLING
Jeff Quint Cedar Ridge Winery and Distillery
SPIRITS TASTING Erik Oskey Easy and Oskey
TRELLIS TYPES, CONSTRUCTION AND CONSIDERATIONS Paul Domoto IA State University
> LAKESHORE A Lunch 12:30 PM LEVEL 1 COURSE SOMMELIER TRAINING Continued
TRAINING: THE FIRST THREE YEARS John Marshall Great River Vineyard Lake Pepin Winery
Cold Climate Conference Registration Opens at 4:00 PM 4:00 — 6:00 PM
WELCOME RECEPTION APPETIZERS & HAPPY HOUR IN THE TRADE SHOW
6:30 — 7:30 PM
MGGA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING > NICOLLET A/B
7:30 — 9:00 PM
WINTER WINE OUT — DINING IN MINNEAPOLIS
9:00 — 11:00 PM
WINE SHINE — NEW MEMBER MEET AND GREET, BYOB
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Friday Friday - Cold Climate Conference Registration Opens at 7:00 AM Breakfast with the Board 7:30 - 8:30 AM Trade Show Buffet enology
8:30 — 10:00 AM
business
viticulture
> LAKESHORE C LEVEL 1 COURSE SOMMELIER TRAINING
> NICOLLET D MAKING AWARD WINNING WINES: TWO SUCCESSFUL WINEMAKERS PERSPECTIVES
> NICOLLET B/C AN OVERVIEW OF THE WA WINE INDUSTRY
Ethan Joseph Shelburn Vineyard Mark Wenzel August Hill Winery Illinois Sparkling Co.
Michelle Moyer, PhD. WA State University
8:00 AM Continental Breakfast 11:00 AM Organoleptic Lunch
> LAKESHORE A/B CROP INSURANCE
Travis Kiester Minn-Iowa Crop Insurance
Trade Show Break
10:00 — 11:00 AM
8:00 -1:00
11:00 — 12:00 PM
KEYNOTE SPEAKER Keith Bown, Constellation Brands > NICOLLET A/B
12:00 — 2:00 PM
Lunch Break • Trade Show Buffet Job Fair Sponsored by VESTA - Trade Show Extension Hall
3:00 — 3:30 PM
3:30 — 5:00 PM
5:30 — 7:00 PM
Trade Show 10:00 - 5:00
2:00 — 3:00 PM
> NICOLLET D IMPORTANCE OF 02 & S02 MANAGEMENT IN QUALITY WINE PRODUCTION Todd Steiner OH State University
> NICOLLET B/C VINEYARD VIGOR MANAGEMENT WITH COVER CROPS AND WEED CONTROL Paul Domoto IA State University
> LAKESHORE A/B CONTRACTING WITH A WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR: TIPS AND PRECAUTIONS Matt Scott St. Croix Vineyards
Trade Show Break • Silent Auction Opens in the Nicollet Promenade > NICOLLET D BEST WINEMAKING PRACTICES FOR SPECIFIC COLD-HARDY VARIETIES Ethan Joseph, Shelburn Vineyard Bradley Beam, Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association Mark Wenzel, August Hill Winery / Illinois Sparkling Co.
>LAKESHORE A/B PRINCIPLES OF PRUNING DORMANT VINES
(Presentation and hands-on demonstration) John Thull University of Minnesota Horticulture Research Center
SILENT AUCTION • APPETIZERS • NICOLLET PROMENADE
>NICOLLET B/C TASTING ROOM TRAINING
Paul Wagner Today’s Wine Professional
CASH BAR
WINTER WINE FEST NICOLLET BALLROOM www.thenortherntier.com
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Saturday Saturday - Cold Climate Conference Registration Opens at 7:00 AM Breakfast in the Trade Show
7:30 — 9:00 AM
9:00 — 10:00 AM
GENERAL SESSION - NICOLLET A/B THE CREATION AND FUNDING OF THE MISSOURI WINE AND GRAPE BOARD AND OTHER STATE MARKETING PROGRAMS Danny Wood, Midwest Wine Press
10:00 — 10:30 AM
Trade Show Break
enology
Trade Show 10:00 -2:00
10:30 — 12:00 PM
> NICOLLET D WINE SENSORY ANALYSIS AND FAULT IDENTIFICATION Bradley Beam, IL Grape Growers and Vintners Association
> LAKESHORE A/B WINERY EVENTS; FIND THE GOOD. PREPARE FOR THE BAD. AVOID THE UGLY Tami Bredeson, Carlos Creek Winery
MARKETING: WHAT REALLY WORKS?
Jane Schwickert & Erika Laughlin, Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery
Lunch in the Trade Show Last Chance in the Trade Show > NICOLLET B/C NGP STUDY: SENSATIVITIES TO COPPER AND SULFUR
> NICOLLET D SPARKLING WINE PRODUCTION Keith Bown Constellation Brands
Patty McManus University of WI—Madison
> LAKESHORE A/B MAXIMIZING THE SUCCESS OF YOUR WINE TRAIL
Lorri Hathaway Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
Coffee Break
3:00 — 3:30 PM
3:30 — 4:30 PM
> NICOLLET B/C ALTERNATIVE COLD CLIMATE GRAPE VARIETIES Mark Hart Mt. Ashwabay Vineyard and Orchard
12:00 — 2:00 PM
2:00 — 3:00 PM
business
viticulture
> NICOLLET D PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF FINNING AND STABILIZING YOUR WINE Todd Steiner OH State University
> LAKESHORE A/B 3:30 - 5:15 THE POLAR VORTEX
Panel Discussion to Follow Peter Hemstad University of MN Horticulture Research Center
> NICOLLET B/C INVITATIONAL: MGGA PASSPORT WINERIES PROGRAM PLANNING SESSION
4:30 — 5:30 PM
7:00 — 12:00 AM
Gold Medal Gala Dinner and Awards Night - Regency Room - 2nd Floor
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First-class safe and secure delivery throughout the USA and CANADA of AriOzein International LLC’s TURN KEY and PTO OZOGATION SYSTEMS with the renowned “OZERO” Line Air Conditioned Variable Output Ozone Generators. 100% NATURAL OZOGATION TECHNOLOGY for the agricultural, horticultural, viticulture, and ornamental industries throughout the world.
AgriOzein International LLC, Uncorking Nature’s Way to Purer Wine Making.
Ernie Wilmink • 402-428-9080 • www.agriOzein.com
exhibitor map
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exhibitor list AGRO-K 215 Foliar fertilizer and micro nutrients for growing wine grapes. AGRIOZEIN CONSULTANTS IN OZONE TECHNOLOGY 529, 531 100% NATURAL OZOGATION TECHNOLOGY for the agricultural, horticultural, viticulture and ornamental industries throughout the world. ARTon Products 311 Custom decorated glassware, stemware, and ceramics. Borra Vineyards 519 Winegrapes, juice, bulk wine and shiners from Lodi, CA. Brick Packaging 307, 406 Stock and specialty wine and beer bottles, oak barrels and alternatives, corks, capsules and carriers. Clements Lumber 408 Vineyard Supplies. Treated posts, high tension wire, gripples, bamboo and much more. Crop Production Services 208, 210 Crop protection chemicals, pruning equipment, weed control, sprayers. Curtis 1000 424 Custom digital wine label manufacturer and promotional products provider. Double A Vineyards 223 Grapevine Nursery. DriftWatch 217 DriftWatch is an online specialty crop registry to inform pesticide applicators of field locations. Flextank USA 220 Oxygen permeable plastic maturation and fermentation tanks sized from 30 to 900 gallons. Fully engineered to replicate all key barrel functions. Full line of SS fittings and valves, oak adjuncts and wine yeast and nutrients.
Exhibitors confirmed as of November 15, 2014
The Grapevine Magazine 106 Griffin Supply 523 Supplier of Allied Tube and Conduit’s improved Vine Training System. K Fence 426 Trellising and wildlife fencing materials as well as professional installation services. The Label Gallery 211 Flexographic and digital printing. Lofton Label 322 Printed Labels and labeling equipment for wineries. MDT & Associates 207, 306 Vineyard supplies from grow tubes to harvest bins. MGGA 206 Media Stand 106 Midwest Grower Supply 310 Complete line of pesticides, Oxbo grape harvester, V-mech vineyard equipment. Minn-Iowa Crop Insurance Services 508 In 2011 Federal Crop Insurance accepted the very first subsidized crop insurance policy in Minnesota for grapes. This is a game changer for grape producers in Minnesota! Were your vines bitten by the effect of extreme cold last winter? Come learn about the basics of Federal Crop Insurance for your grape crop. Mission Hill Farm 527 Soil improvment, testing and analysis. MN Grown 422 The Minnesota Grown Program encourages consumers to purchase local foods and links them directly to producers via our annual Minnesota Grown Directory. The statewide Directory features nealy 1,000 locations
and includes everything from wineries to pick-your-own farms. For just $60 per year, farms and wineries can join the program and advertise in the Directory. Munckhof Manufacturing 525 Manufacturer of vineyard implements. NEOGARD 410 Division of the Jones Blair Company, has been protecting concrete structures for over five decades with Waterproofing, Flooring, Roofing and Wall Coating. Niebur Tractor 331, 430, 431 Vineyard sprayers, tractors and equipment. Northeastern Vine Supply 308 Premium quality cold hardy grapevines. Olson Fencing 214 Trellis, livestock and game fencing installation and sales. Scott Laboratories 309 Fermentation, filtration, packaging and equipment. Spec Trellising 409 Supplier of high quality vineyard products and winery equipment. Trysk Print Solutions 219 We deliver the best value in print, packaging and promotion. VESTA - Central Lake Community College 510 Online classes in Grape Growing, Wine Making and Wine Business. Windridge Implements 513 Agricultural equipment dealer. Winterhaven Nursery 327 Providing the latest Top Quality Cold Hardy Grapevines since 2002. Shipping anywhere East of the Rocky Mountains. 100% guaranteed.
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Winter 2015 Wine Fest Feb 6
7-10 p.m. Hyatt Regency Hotel Minneapolis
Tickets $40 u www.mngrapes.com
Warm up on a cold winter night with 30 local wineries pouring their best wines & 15 artisan foods to be sampled. Presented by
minnesota grape growers association
Polar Vortex
Observations By Peter Hemstad, University of Minnesota Viticulturist
T
here is nothing unusual about a ‘polar vortex’ of cold air swirling around the North Pole. In fact, a polar vortex forms every winter. However, last winter’s wobbly vortex broke up and major portions of it headed south in early January of 2014. The polar vortex headed straight for Minnesota, and by January 6th the governor closed all the schools in the state since extreme cold and high winds made it too dangerous for children to be outside. It was the first time that had happened in 17 years. Over 20,000 flights were cancelled around the U.S. and O’Hare Airport in Chicago reported that their de-icing fluid froze! The cold air slid eastward, but the effects of the polar vortex actually lingered until April. At the University of Minnesota’s Horticultural Research Center (HRC) there were 52 days below 0°F in the winter of 2013-2014, the most for many years. It was a very cold winter overall in the Upper Midwest and East Coast, but strangely enough California had its warmest winter on record, 4.4°F above average. It is possible that the weather disruptions resulting from climate change may lead to another polar vortex coming our way in the future. So much for the positive effects of global warming!
The effects of the polar vortex were certainly felt by grape growers in our area. Yields overall were down substantially from previous years. This was true of nearly all varieties, with the exception of a few extremely hardy varieties like Bluebell. Of the more widely grown cultivars, the Frontenac group (noir, gris and blanc) seemed to come through better than Marquette. However, results were not consistent across the region and a few growers actually had a larger crop in 2014 than 2013. Several others were almost completely wiped out, with their vines killed back to the ground. Why was there such a disparity in survival from grower to grower? As a general rule, northern growers had the most damage, as would be expected. There were also striking differences seen based on site selection with growers on high ground having much less damage than low-lying vineyards. Younger vineyards suffered far more than established vines. Over-cropped vines had greater damage than vines that had a moderate yield the year before. At the University of Minnesota, many of our newer selections had significantly reduced yields this year, but a few came through relatively unscathed which gives us hope for the future. The overall results from 2014 were quite disappointing for grape growers throughout our region. However, if we carefully analyze which vineyards and varieties had the best success even under such difficult conditions we can try to learn from this experience and reduce our losses if and when the polar vortex returns for another visit in the future. Let’s hope that won’t be for another 17 years!
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Meet the Speakers Keith Bown Keith Bown has held the position of Chief Winemaker for Constellation Brands Canada since 2008 and in 2012 also assumed responsibility for Viticulture. In this role, Keith manages all winemaking and viticulture across Canada. Keith came to Constellation Brands Canada from Australia where he was Chief Winemaker at Zilzie Wines in Victoria. He has extensive experience in the wine industry, working in numerous countries including New Zealand, the U.S. and the UK, as well as making wine and growing grapes in many regions across Australia.
Bradley Beam
Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association Bradley Beam is the enology specialist for the Illinois grape and wine industry. He conducts seminars on a wide range of enology topics, including wine sensory, processing, and chemical analysis, while also organizing the state conference and wine competition. He especially enjoys visiting wineries, or prospective wineries, in person, helping them solve problems, and ultimately assisting them with making the best wine possible.
Tami Bredeson
Co-Owner and President of Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria, MN My expertise, experience and passion are for all things creative. As a former dance teacher, musical theater director and marketing director for Border State Banks, I find owning and marketing a winery has been a wonderfully creative and fulfilling experience. Something new and fresh every day! I enjoy the challenge of delivering the BEST from our winery – from wine to customer experience to revenue.
Paul Domoto
Professor emeritus, Iowa State University Dr. Domoto was a member of the ISU Horticulture Department for 39 years. His research emphasis was in pomology and viticulture, and was a member of the regional research committees NC-140 “Improving economic and environmental sustainability in tree-fruit production through changes in rootstock use”, NE 1020 “Multistate Evaluation of Winegrape Cultivars and Clones”, and a Co-PI and team leader for viticulture studies on the USDA-SCRI Northern Grapes project. He was state extension specialist for fruit crops and developed the ISU Viticulture Home Page.
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Keith has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Oenology majoring in Viticulture and Winemaking and is a graduate of Roseworthy Agricultural College, which is now part of the Adelaide University in Australia. “In the over six years that I’ve been responsible for winemaking and viticulture for Constellation Brands, we have seen great strides forward in the quality of our grape growing and wine production across Canada. I have always been passionate about cool climate winemaking and the Canadian grape growing regions provide purity in the quality and style of the varietals of VQA wines we are producing. I work closely with a dedicated and talented team of winemakers and viticulturists who are continually developing their exceptional skills. In Canada this is a young, but rapidly growing industry which is achieving its potential as a consistent and reliable producer of premium quality wines. It has given me great pleasure to be an integral part of its development and worldwide recognition.”
Lorri Hathaway
Executive Director, Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail Lorri Hathaway is Director of the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail in northern Michigan. Consisting of 25 members, she manages member, community, customer and media relations and coordinates more than 12 annual events. Lorri is also co-author of The History of Michigan Wines and Exploring Michigan Wineries.
Mark Hart
Owner, Mt. Ashwabay Vineyard and Orchard Mark Hart has been growing grapes in Minnesota and Wisconsin for nearly twenty years. His grape growing efforts primarily involve breeding grapes, research, cultivar testing, and testing practical cultural techniques for the cool summers and cold winters of northern Wisconsin. His vineyard, Mt. Ashwabay Vineyard & Orchard, is located in the peninsular snowbelt of Lake Superior in Bayfield, Wisconsin.
Peter Hemstad A graduate of St. Olaf College and Cornell University, Peter Hemstad has been the grape breeder at the University of Minnesota since 1985 and was largely responsible for the introduction of Frontenac, La Crescent, Frontenac Gris, and Marquette. These exciting new cultivars combine extreme cold hardiness with high wine quality and have revolutionized grape growing in colder areas of the U.S. and southern Canada. In addition, Peter has been one of the owners and winemakers of Saint Croix Vineyards winery in Stillwater, Minnesota since 1992. Saint Croix Vineyards is widely regarded as one of Minnesota’s finest wineries and has won numerous awards in national and international wine competitions.
Ethan Joseph
Vineyard Manager/Winemaker, Shelburne Vineyard 2014 marked my seventh vintage at Shelburne Vineyard. I am responsible for about sixteen acres of vineyards and an annual wine production of four thousand plus cases. I enjoy the cyclical nature of farming and winemaking and having the opportunity to taste my vineyard efforts in the glass.
Travis Kiester
President, Minn-Iowa Crop Insurance Services Travis Keister attended Blue Earth Area high school and graduated from Iowa State University in 1997. His family started a crop insurance agency in 1976 and he has been involved for over 17 years. He currently serves as the president of Minn-Iowa Crop Insurance Services, Inc. and Crop Solutions, LLC. He also sits on the national board of directors for the Crop Insurance Professionals Association. In 2009 he was introduced to a few progressive Minnesota grape growers who inquired about Federal Crop Insurance for grapes. He and his staff immediately began the strenuous 2 year process of working with the government to expand the insurance program to cover cold climate grapes in Minnesota. In 2011 Minn-Iowa Crop Insurance Services, Inc. was the first crop insurance agency to successfully write a Federal Crop Insurance policy for grapes in Minnesota.
Erika Laughlin
Event and Marketing Coordinator, Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery Erika Laughlin is the event and marketing coordinator for Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery. Erika began her work in the bridal industry nearly a decade ago at a bridal shop in a nearby town. She pursued her education in the area of Mass Communications with an emphasis in public relations, as well as in business law, at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She began her career in event planning while she worked under the Director of Multicultural Affairs to help assemble a regional conference. Since then, Erika has worked at as a marketing director and event planner in various capacities within the university and for different businesses including serving as marketing director for a real estate development firm. Erika joined the team in February, 2012. She works under the general manager as her assistant, and is in charge of internal and external events, communication, branding and marketing.
Lee Lutes
Winemaker, Black Star Farms As the head winemaker for Black Star Farms Lee overseas winemaking operations for the two processing facilities on the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas. These facilities were created in 2007 to separately specialize in red and white wine production. He also directs the distillation program that produces European style fruit brandies and dessert wines. Lee is a proud self-taught winemaker, which he eventually
came to via experience in the restaurant industry as well as extensive international travel. He was an assistant winemaker at a small Piedmont winery prior to moving back to Michigan, where he was born and raised, and returned home at a time fortuitous with the growth and expansion of the industry. He is an avid supporter of all things Michigan, and proudly specializes in Pinot Noir and Riesling.
John Marshall John developed a love of fruit growing from his father who was a devoted experimenter with many kinds of fruits. John has been growing grapes since the mid-1970’s. He is a charter member of the Minnesota Grape Growers Association, Past President of that group and has served as VP and Secretary as well as MGGA newsletter editor. John owns and operates Great River Vineyard and Nursery, Lake City, Minnesota and raises wine and table grapes for commercial sale . The nursery specializes in extremely cold hardy grape varieties for the north. He has been actively growing grapes for over 30 years. Plans include opening a winery at the vineyard site later this year.
Patty McManus
University of Wisconsin-Madison Patty McManus is a fruit disease management specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she currently is serving as Chair of the Department of Plant Pathology. She is a collaborator on the multi-state Northern Grapes Project, and is investigating the use of copper and sulfur on northern wine grape varieties.
Michelle Moyer
Statewide Viticulture Extension Specialist, Washington State University Dr. Michelle Moyer received her B.S. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her PhD from Cornell University. In 2011, she joined the faculty at Washington State University as an Assistant Professor and Statewide Viticulture Extension Specialist. Located at the WSU-IAREC in Prosser, WA, her program focuses on integrated vineyard management and the roles of cultural and chemical inputs on vine health and productivity. More on Michelle’s Extension and research can be found at: http://wine.wsu.edu/faculty/ michelle-moyer/
Jeff Quint
Owner, Cedar Ridge Vineyards Jeff Quint, CPA, founded Cedar Ridge in Swisher, Iowa, in 2003, with his wife, Laurie. Cedar Ridge began as a winery and also became Iowa’s first craft distillery in early 2005. While still involved as CFO of a regional data center company in Iowa, Jeff has grown Cedar Ridge into a profitable, multi-million dollar winery and distillery. The Company is just completing its third expansion, allowing it to continue to build its whiskey inventory. www.thenortherntier.com
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Claude Robbins
International Wine Guild Director and President, GWM, MWE Claude Robbins has over 30 years of experience teaching wine at the University level, propelled by his Guild Wine Master (GWM) and Guild Master Wine Educator (MWE) certifications. He has developed more than 500 wine dinners, is the director and former partner of Station Imports, a wine importing company specializing in New Zealand Wines, and a founding partner of Total Beverage, one of the largest liquor stores in Colorado. He has served as a board member for the American Culinary Federation, Les Amis d’Escoffier, and the Denver chapter of Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, the oldest organization to promote gastronomy and the culinary arts in the world. Claude has been a staff writer for Colorado Vine magazine and a freelance wine writer as well as the wine and food critic for D’zine and InSite and other trade publications. Additionally, he was host of “the wine guy” on ESPN Radio in Denver, Colorado. The show was heard weekly in eight states and was the most popular non-sports program on ESPN in the Western US. He has worked as a wine consultant with restaurants, retailers and individuals, including evaluating rare wines for sale or auction, and worked with importers and wholesalers to expand their product lines. He has trained the white house staff on proper wine and food service for state dinners.
Rob Schellhorn
TTB Investigator, Alcohol & Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau Rob Schellhorn is a civil fraud investigator with the U.S. Department of Treasury - Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) - Trade Investigations Division. He works out of the Mountain Field District office located in St. Paul, MN. Rob spent 15 years with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) until 9/11 when he moved over to TTB. Rob conducts federal excise tax investigations of manufacturers, importers, exporters, wholesalers and retail dealers of alcohol and tobacco products. He enforces federal permit requirements, labeling and packaging requirements, and trade practice restrictions imposed on alcohol industry members. Finally, Rob conducts routine compliance inspections of industry members to promote voluntary compliance with Federal law and regulations.
Jane Schwickert
General Manager and Owner, Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery Jane Schwickert is the general manager and a shareholder of Chankaska Creek Ranch and Winery. Jane has been present from the inception of the winery and partnered with the chief manager, her husband, Kent. They have created a world-class facility, boasting award-winning wines that have won medals from one coast to the other. Jane’s passion includes spending time with her family, helping out in her community and traveling the world. She has visited over 100 wineries in her travels both locally and abroad. Her proven leadership skills, quality improvement proficiency, and her knowledge of the community are in use every day, as she manages four teams and over 30 staff members on-site.
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Matt Scott
General Manager, Saint Croix Vineyards Matthew Scott is the General Manager of Saint Croix Vineyards winery in Stillwater, Minnesota. He is also a Wisconsin grape grower, running a small vineyard in the Saint Croix Valley. He holds degrees in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Minnesota and spent several years as a staff research scientist in the College of Biological Sciences. He offers consulting services and has worked with wineries and growers in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Oregon.
Todd Steiner
Enology Program Manager and Outreach Specialist, Ohio State University Todd Steiner has been with Ohio State University/OARDC for 25 years, leading the Enology program since 2001. He serves as the state research and extension Enologist to the Ohio commercial wine industry. Todd received a B.A. in Biology from Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas and specialized in enology under the direction of Dr. Jim Gallander at Ohio State University/OARDC. His research and extension efforts focus on vineyard cultural practices, enological procedures, winery consultation, coorganizing the annual Ohio Grape and Wine Conference and the annual Ohio Wine Competition as well as organizing state workshops. Todd is also responsible for initializing a wine analysis program in working with quality control and troubleshooting for the Ohio commercial wine industry. Along with the Ohio Grape Industries Committee, OSU/OARDC and key industry personnel, Todd has helped to develop the groundwork for the Ohio Quality Wine Program (OQW) that started with wines being evaluated in 2007. Todd has also been honored in being asked to judge in numerous National and International wine competitions throughout the United States. He has served in the past on the Board of Directors for The American Society of Enology and Viticulture – Eastern Section (ASEV-ES).
John Thull
Vineyard Manager, University of Minnesota John Thull grew up on a dairy farm outside of Melrose, Minnesota. After earning a Biology degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, he apprenticed, in 2003, at a vineyard and winery in Germany for one year. In 2005, he was hired on at the Horticultural Research Center’s Grape Breeding Project. John became the project’s Vineyard Manager in 2006 and has worked there ever since. With the help of his wife, Jenny, they manage over 10 acres of research vines for the U of MN and grow hundreds of varieties of pumpkins, squash, and gourds that are displayed annually at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. John and Jenny also have a couple of acres of vines growing at the family farm (since 2007), that they take care of with help from his parents, Richard and Marion Thull.
6 Paul Wagner Today’s Wine Professional After several positions in Public Relations and Marketing in the wine industry in Napa Valley, Paul Wagner formed Balzac Communications & Marketing in 1991. Current clients include Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines, the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, Wagner Family of Wines, Wente Vineyards, Mendocino Wine Company, Shannon Ridge, Simply Italian, Consorzio di Chianti Classico, Franciacorta DOCG, Bodegas Salentein, and a host of other wine and food specialists. He has been an instructor for Napa Valley College’s Viticulture and Enology department for the past twenty years. In addition he teaches at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, and is a guest lecturer at universities and conferences throughout the world on wine business, communications, public affairs, wine, wine tourism, and wine marketing. He has been a columnist for Vineyard & Winery Management Magazine for the last ten years, contributes to Allexperts. com in the field of wine and food, and served on the board of directors of the Society of Wine Educators for many years. Paul has judged many international wine competitions, is a founding member of the Academy of Wine Communications and a member of the nominations committee of the Culinary Institute of America’s Vintner’s Hall of Fame.
Mark Wenzel
Winemaker, August Hill Winery Illinois Sparkling Company Years ago Mark & Teri Wenzel, owners of August Hill Winery, became fascinated with Champagne. When Mark, the winemaker for August Hill Winery, realized that Illinois was a region primed to produce world-class sparkling wine grapes, he dove headfirst into sparkling experimentation. After years of research, trials, and some great advice from sparkling wine producers, he was finally creating sparkling wines that just might put Illinois on the winemaking map and Illinois Sparkling Company was born.
Danny Wood
Journalist, Midwest Wine Press Danny Wood is a journalist who writes for Midwest Wine Press, the only publication focusing solely on the art and business of winemaking in the Midwest. He also works at Belvoir Winery in Liberty, Missouri and freelances for public radio station KCUR. Before moving to the US, Danny was a correspondent for BBC News based in Spain.
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Job Fair
1st Annual MGGA Wine Industry Job Fair Cold Climate Conference Friday, February 6, Noon to 2:00 p.m. The cold-hardy wine grape and locally sourced winery industries have experienced unprecedented growth over the last six years. With growth comes opportunity — opportunity for skilled professionals in both the vineyard and winery industry. Here are some facts about our industry that should encourage ambitious professionals to attend this unique job fair: • Wines made from cold-hardy grapes at locally sourced wineries in 13 northern tier states contributed $215 million in economic activity and 5,000 jobs. • Wine vineyards growing cold-hardy grapes in 13 northern tier states generated $46 million in economic activity and 5,900 jobs. • Winery tourists visiting wineries using cold-hardy grapes in their wine production in 13 northern tier states created $140 million of economic impact and 1,700 jobs.
Bring your resume and a healthy attitude to the 1st annual MGGA wine industry job fair – it could change your life.
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