Introductory grape grower workshop Sept. 24 in Weatherford

• Writer: Adam Russell, 903-834-6191, adam.russell@ag.tamu.edu
• Contact: Michael Cook, 940-349-2896, m-cook@tamu.edu

WEATHERFORD – The North Texas Prospective Grape Grower Workshop on Sept. 24 in Weatherford will provide a range of information for individuals considering wine grape production.

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service event is $150 per person; $250 per couple, which includes all educational materials and lunch. Attendees can pay by cash or check at the door, but RSVP is requested by Sept. 23 for planning purposes.

The program will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Dove Ridge Vineyard and Winery, 6000 Tucker Drive. 

Michael Cook, AgriLife Extension viticulture program specialist, Denton, said the event will introduce prospective wine grape producers to growing grapes successfully in North Texas, how to develop a sound business plan, and meet the challenges and opportunities for a sustainable and successful vineyard.  

Cook and Justin Scheiner, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension viticulturist, College Station, will be giving the program.

Cook and Scheiner will cover the history of Texas wines; how grapevines grow, vineyard site selection; varietal selection; and vineyard economics and establishment.

Joey Benefiel, owner of Dove Ridge, will provide a vineyard tour following the program.

The course will offer three general Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units. 

“This program will introduce prospective wine grape growers to the basics of growing grapevines commercially, the current industry in Texas, and what it takes to produce quality wine grapes in an economically sustainable way,” Cook said.

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