Growing wine grapes, making wine workshops to be offered in April

The Purdue Wine Grape Team will host two Extension workshops in April for those interested in commercial winegrowing and winemaking. The first workshop, on April 15, will focus on vineyard establishment and will help farmers and entrepreneurs who are planning to expand their businesses. The workshop will be at Oliver Winery’s Creekbend Vineyard in Ellettsville, Ind., from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Topics include vineyard layout, vine planting, trellis establishment, weed management, sprayer calibration and use of Driftwatch, as well as vine training and canopy management through year three after planting. Private pesticide applicators will receive recertification credit for attending.

At the second workshop, on April 29, the team will discuss ways to advance high-quality grape growing, winemaking and wine marketing. The workshop will be from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Buck Creek Winery, located southwest of Indianapolis. “Our spring wine grape workshops are a perfect opportunity to improve upon your sustainable vineyard and winery practices,” said Christian Butzke, associate professor of enology.