Sustainable Winegrowing Highlights Washington Winegrape Meeting
January 10, 2012 In just the past 12 years, Washington’s wine industry has grown more than 400%, causing sustainable management practices to be increasingly important to the long-term viability of growers and wineries.
The 2012 annual meeting of the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers (WAWGG) will focus on educational sessions that address sustainable practices. One session is devoted to unveiling “Winerywise,” the new online “Washington Guide to Sustainable Winemaking Practices,” which has been a three-year project of volunteers from across the Northwest.
The convention, again held in Kennewick, WA, at the Three Rivers Convention Center, runs Feb. 7-10, and is designed to specifically target the needs of growers, wineries, and marketers. The accompanying trade show, which has been sold out for months, features nearly 160 exhibitor booths showcasing the latest in services, supplies, and technology. It is held Feb. 8-9 next door at the Toyota Center.
“Mythbusting,” one of last year’s most popular sessions, examines controversial vineyard and winery practices. This year, the session explores whether high alcohol wines taste better and score higher, with comments from Steve Heimoff, the wine editor of Wine Enthusiast. The session will also examine whether lower yields are better for making superior wines, with comments from Nick Dokoozlian, the vice president of viticulture for E&J Gallo Wines.
To address the industry’s strong “next generation,” this year’s professional development session features acclaimed author and negotiator Rhonda Hilyer, who will present “Success Signals,” a formalized approach to understanding and interpreting different communication styles, improving relationships, and minimizing potential conflict.
Vineyard pests and disease sessions will focus on insect management strategies, scouting, and controls from
three different grower viewpoints along with disease management
discussions linking disease and grape biology with control options and resistance management.
This year’s grand tasting will focus on Merlot and feature Doug Frost, a Kansas City author who is only one of three in the world who is both a Master Sommelier and a Master of Wine. According to USA Today, “Frost likely knows as much as anyone in the world about how to make, market, serve, and identify wines.”
The event is open to those interested in growing wine grapes or making wine. For additional information or to register, visit the WAWGG website: www.wawgg.org.
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