Webinar Series to Cover Timely Topics in Grape and Wine Industry

The "Eastern Viticulture and Enology Forum Series" will take place from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following dates in December, January, February, March, and April. The webinars are intended for vineyard owners, winery owners, vineyard managers, and winemakers.

Registration is currently available for the following webinars.

Dec. 13: "H2-A Temporary Agricultural Program: The Vineyard's Perspective" Attendees can learn about the H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Program from the perspectives of experienced vineyard owners and an agricultural workforce development specialist. Instructors will discuss the ever-present labor challenges in the grape and wine industry and how workforce development can offset labor deficits.

Jan. 10:  "Top 10 Dormant Pruning Mistakes in Your Vineyard" This webinar will cover basic and advanced pruning approaches for young to mature vines. Presenters will address common errors and how to avoid or repair them.

Jan. 23:  "Reducing SO2 During Winemaking Process: Why, When and How" Participants can learn about the use of sulfur dioxide throughout the winemaking process, how to lower levels of SO2, and how to achieve antioxidant and antimicrobial protection in wine, including canned wines. Instructors will discuss alternatives to SO2 as well as the pros and cons.

Feb. 7:  "Academic and Industry Perspectives on Biofungicide Use in Vineyards" Academic grape pathology specialists will present research results, and experienced vineyard management professionals will provide feedback on biofungicide efficacy and use. In addition to those involved with vineyards and wineries, grape extension and research specialists may benefit from this webinar.

In addition, online registration will soon be available for these future live webinars:

Feb. 21:  "An Introduction to Practical and Applied Winery Laboratory Quality" The winery laboratory is a critical part of wine production. This presentation will cover the basics of a laboratory quality assurance program designed to protect wine quality decisions. Attendees can learn how to determine the accuracy and precision of their methods and ideas for improvement. Instructors will focus on concrete, practical steps.

March 7:  "Climate Change Implications for Grapevine Production in U.S. Wine Regions" Climate and weather patterns impact regional grapevine suitability, productivity, and sustainability. Current and future changes in weather patterns have implications for viticulture and enology practices. This session will focus on climate change predictions and possible effects on grapevine productivity and wine quality potential.

April 18:  "Pét-Nat Production: An Industry Roundtable" Enjoyed by the French for centuries, Pét-Nats — also known as "pétillant naturel" — are gaining in popularity. In this webinar, industry experts will explain production methods, lessons learned, and tips for producing this "natural sparkling wine."

Contact Cain Hickey, viticulture extension educator, or Molly Kelly, enology extension educator, for more information.

Penn State Extension offers this webinar series at no charge to participants. Preregistration is required to receive the links to access the live webinars.