Pinot Gris Grape & Wine Production School

2017 Pinot Gris Grape & Wine Production School to be held on April 18 in Geneva, Ohio Ohio has a long tradition of growing flavorful grapes that produce high quality wines.  OSU Extension invites commercial grape growers and wine makers to attend a one day school on Pinot Gris.  This workshop is being held to increase the skills of grape growers and wine makers in growing this variety and making high quality wines.  This workshop will be on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at Virant Family Winery located at 541 Atkins Road in Geneva, Ohio.  Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the workshop will run from 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.   

Pinot Gris Grape Production

Attend and learn more about the best management practices in growing Pinot Gris grapes.  Learn about variety characteristics, training systems, clones, and best viticulture practices for growing this variety.  Learn the pros and cons of growing Pinot Gris.  A review of the extensive research which has been completed by OSU personnel in Kingsville and Wooster, Ohio on Pinot Gris grapes will also be shared.   

Pinot Gris Wine Production

Learn more about creating high quality Pinot Gris wine.  Attendees will acquire more information about Pinot Gris Enology trials which have been conducted by the OSU enology program.  Critical cellar procedures and potential wine styles for Pinot Gris will also be covered. This presentation will include a tasting of research wines.  

Ohio Commercial Grower/Winemaker Panel

A panel of experienced Pinot Gris commercial growers and winemakers will share their experiences.  Learn the essential growing practices and important winemaking procedures from experienced local growers and vintners in producing premium quality Pinot Gris wines.  Additional discussion will also be provided as to the potential for this variety to exhibit the value and characteristics of a “signature grape variety” for the region.  A commercial wine tasting will follow the panel presentation.  

Featured Speakers

This workshop will feature the teaching of Dr. Imed Dami, Professor & Extension Viticulturist, and Mr. Todd Steiner, Enology Program Manager & Outreach Specialist, from The Ohio State University. We are also pleased to have a panel of experienced growers and wine makers sharing their knowledge as well.  

Lunch & Refreshments

Lunch and refreshments will be provided as part of the registration fee.  Participants will be treated to Virant’s award winning chicken sandwiches or hamburgers with a side of pasta or potato salad. Non-alcoholic beverages and dessert will be provided.  Beer and wine will be available for purchase.   

Registration Details

Pre-registration is required by Monday, April 10, 2017. Registration fee is $25.00/per person.  Registration includes refreshments, lunch, speaker travel expenses, and program handouts.  Make checks payable to OSU Extension, and mail to Ashtabula County Extension office, 39 Wall Street, Jefferson, OH 44047. A registration flyer can be found at: http://go.osu.edu/ne-events.  More information about this program can be obtained by calling the Ashtabula County Extension office at 440-576-9008.  This workshop is being sponsored by OSU Extension, the Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center (OARDC) and Ohio Grape Industries Committee.