Remembering Lon Rombough
February 7, 2012 
Lon Rombough, a grower consultant, grape breeder, and author of “The Grape Grower”, a guide for new and experienced grape producers, passed away on January 30 at the age of 62.
While Rombough lived in Oregon, his legacy includes working with growers of grape and other crops across the country, Below is just a sampling of some of the thoughts expressed by ag professionals Rombough has worked with over the years:
“Lon was a special inspiration to me as I struggled to learn how to grow cold-hardy grapes here in the mountains of western North Carolina. His experience and insight helped us solve some difficult problems and allowed us to successfully build a small business out of propagating the native cold-hardy Muscadines we discovered growing here in the mountains.” — Chuck Blethen, Sustainable Appalachian Viticulture Institute
“His work is a very important treasure in the world of viticulture, and it is with sincere hope that it will be saved and made available for posterity. Our deepest sympathies to all of Lon’s family.” — Robert Dunstan Wallace, Chestnut Hill Nursery
“In Lon’s quiet and focused way, he contributed very much to the world of grapes, but even moreso, to the people of the world of grapes who were lucky enough to interact with him. As a member of the grape breeder list, which he founded and managed exceptionally well, I’m grateful for his contribution to my growth as a grape breeder and as a viticulture professional. His book, “The Grape Grower”, is a classic. I often recommend it to grape growers in my jurisdiction, commercial and hobbyist, as the best resource for learning about and understanding the grape plant and its care. It is a very valuable contribution to the world of viticulture. I just yesterday watched an old video of Lon explaining grape management on YouTube and thought how much it was clear he loved what he did. It seems rare these days for someone to clearly connect with something they are passionate about and make it their lifetime venture. It seemed to me that Lon was one of those people.” — William H. Shoemaker, University of Illinois, Crop Sciences
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