Winegrowers offer workshop March 21
Event free and open to public

By Frank Ruggiero

They heard it through the grapevine.

Acknowledging an ever-growing interest in grape-growing and winemaking in the High Country, the High Country Winegrowers Association will offer a free informational meeting and vineyard workshop this weekend.
The group will meet Saturday, March 21, at 10 a.m. in Appalachian State University’s Old Belk Library Classroom Building, Room 014.

The meeting will address topics, including, “So You Want to Start a Vineyard in the Mountains,” “What is a Mountain Wine,” “What is the Future of Mountain Wines,” and “Springtime in the Vineyard: Fungicide & Pruning,” which will be held on site at Creston Vineyards in Ashe County for a live demonstration in vine pruning.

“It is looking like the weather will cooperate on this early spring day, so come on out and enjoy the afternoon in the vineyard,” High Country Winegrowers Association president Jimmy Coan said. “And remember, if you made any wine over the winter, we want to taste it. We know it’s going to be new wine, and this is not a judging, but a chance for feedback.”

Coan added that Creston Vineyards will offer its Foch and Seyval blends for participants to sample.

Directions: Parking in the College Street Parking Deck, just off King Street in downtown Boone, pass the university library on the right, veer to the left and descend the steps. The Old Library Classroom Building will be straight ahead, with a bell sitting on a pedestal outside its front doors. Enter the building, veer to the right and take a quick left down the green carpeted stairs to the bottom floor. Continue down the hall toward the Mountain and Steep Slope Viticulture office and library, Room 014, on the right.

For more information, call Norm Oches at (828) 262-8648.