Annual Winegrape Conference Slated For June
May 22, 2012 The American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) will hold its 2012 national conference June 18–22, in Portland, OR. Wine industry members from around the world will gather at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront for the 63rd annual meeting, which offers programs to meet every level of technical expertise.
The week’s events will kick off on Monday, June 18 with a look at the fertile valley in which Portland is situated. The Oregon Wine Research Institute, along with ASEV, will host the Willamette Valley vineyard technical tour and tasting. Held in conjunction with the conference, it will feature in-depth tours of three Willamette Valley vineyards and wine tastings.
The following day, Tuesday, June 19, will feature the Alternative Varieties Symposium, which also includes tasting. The purpose of the symposium is to bring awareness to ASEV membership and other attendees of alternative varieties that are available for the fine wine trade that are not “international varieties” (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc, and maybe Syrah).
Many of the varieties that will be presented are either well-suited for winemaking in warm climates (Winkler Region III or higher) or places with cold weather where freezing temperatures may kill standard vinifera vines. An overview of breeding programs for new varieties will also be presented.
There will also be a panel discussion with industry members on the difficulties of introducing new wine varieties to the various marketing channels including on-premise, three-tiered distribution, and direct-to-consumer sales. A regional tasting representing the countries speakers are from will complete the symposium.
The symposium’s organizing committee includes Glenn McGourty, University of California Cooperative Extension, Mendocino County; as well as M. Andrew Walker and James Wolpert, both from the University of California-Davis.
You can register or find additional information here.
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