May 12, 2008

Central San Joaquin Valley grape growers will learn about the latest technologies and methods to improve quality and manage their vineyard operations more economically at a workshop Friday, Dec. 8, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at California State University, Fresno.

The Pruning and Sustainable Winegrowing Workshop is presented by the university’s Viticulture and Enology Research Center (VERC) and Department of Viticulture and Enology in partnership with several industry organizations. Lunch and equipment demonstrations are included.

The program is free to growers and RSVPs are requested by Dec. 6. Onsite registration begins at 7 a.m. at the Viticulture and Enology building (2360 E. Barstow Ave.). Continuing education credit through the state’s Department of Pesticide Regulation will be available for pest control advisers and private applicators.

“We are pleased to partner with organizations such as the Central California Winegrowers and the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance to offer educational forums for Valley grape growers,” said Robert Wample, director and chair of the VERC and Department of Viticulture and Enology. “Workshops such as this expose growers to technologies and methods that will help them improve quality and manage their vineyard operations more economically.”

Attendees may park in Lot Q on Barstow near the vineyards or obtain a pass from the university’s parking office in the Public Safety Building, 2311 E. Barstow Ave.

Funding is provided by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Wine Institute, the California Association of Winegrape Growers and Central California Winegrowers

For more information or to RSVP, call 559.618.1856 or email info@ccwinegrowers.org.