So just spent the last 2 days at my first official "wine conference". 
It was the 2011 New Mexico Vine and Wine Society Conference. Over all, very pleased. It was a great program with something for everybody (see agenda attachment). The big guys were all there as well as the someday wanna be big guys (like me!). Met a bunch of really nice people to boot. There were talks about Oak alternatives from Sta-Vin, MLF Fermentations from Scott Labs, Winery design, tasting room design, Vine problems (Grape Leaf Roll Virus). Working with Hybrids. Making Ultra Premium Wine. Just something for everybody.
Since it was a joint venture with our State Ag College (NMSU) we had people from there as well on hand to give talks and answer questions. The big topic of course was the impact of the worst freeze in probably 75 years in the State that occurred back the first week in February where even down South where we have 700 acres of Vinifera Noble planted (Our state mecca for grapes) it got down as low as -10 for some time and was below freezing for 3 days.
I met a lot of winemakers, got to pick their brains about the unique problems we face with our grapes and how to adjust the chemistry and work with them and we even had several fun wine tastings to boot.
Some of the problems we face here in the state is an overall lack of a really strong backing from the state to support the Wine Industry and how do we overcome it. How do we get the State to promote wine tourism (wine trails) wine promotion in restaurants and stores, and just how do we get more $$$ from the state to promote the industry overall especially during these tough economic times.
If you have something similar in your own state, I heartily recommend seeking them out and doing as I did. Join the organization and learn more about the workings of the industry and more about your own hobby/obsession. Its certainly much cheaper than the annual Winemaker Magazine conference (Ours was only $130 + $30 for the membership for the two day conference) and you will learn just as much plus won't have to travel as far (most likely!) You will also make a lot of new friends. Winemakers are for the most part really nice people!
View attachment nmvws-schedule-2011.pdf
It was the 2011 New Mexico Vine and Wine Society Conference. Over all, very pleased. It was a great program with something for everybody (see agenda attachment). The big guys were all there as well as the someday wanna be big guys (like me!). Met a bunch of really nice people to boot. There were talks about Oak alternatives from Sta-Vin, MLF Fermentations from Scott Labs, Winery design, tasting room design, Vine problems (Grape Leaf Roll Virus). Working with Hybrids. Making Ultra Premium Wine. Just something for everybody.
Since it was a joint venture with our State Ag College (NMSU) we had people from there as well on hand to give talks and answer questions. The big topic of course was the impact of the worst freeze in probably 75 years in the State that occurred back the first week in February where even down South where we have 700 acres of Vinifera Noble planted (Our state mecca for grapes) it got down as low as -10 for some time and was below freezing for 3 days.
I met a lot of winemakers, got to pick their brains about the unique problems we face with our grapes and how to adjust the chemistry and work with them and we even had several fun wine tastings to boot.
Some of the problems we face here in the state is an overall lack of a really strong backing from the state to support the Wine Industry and how do we overcome it. How do we get the State to promote wine tourism (wine trails) wine promotion in restaurants and stores, and just how do we get more $$$ from the state to promote the industry overall especially during these tough economic times.
If you have something similar in your own state, I heartily recommend seeking them out and doing as I did. Join the organization and learn more about the workings of the industry and more about your own hobby/obsession. Its certainly much cheaper than the annual Winemaker Magazine conference (Ours was only $130 + $30 for the membership for the two day conference) and you will learn just as much plus won't have to travel as far (most likely!) You will also make a lot of new friends. Winemakers are for the most part really nice people!
View attachment nmvws-schedule-2011.pdf
