Alternative Varieties Symposium (includes tasting)
Date: Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Time: 8:30 am – 6:30 pm
Location: Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront
Hotel
Organizing Committee:
Glenn McGourty, University of California
Cooperative Extension, Mendocino County
M. Andrew Walker, University of California,
Davis
James Wolpert, University of California, Davis
The purpose of the symposium is to bring awareness to ASEV membership and other attendees of alternative varieties that are available for the fine wine trade that are not “international varieties” (Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot noir and Sauvignon blanc, and maybe Syrah).
Many of the varieties that will be presented are either well suited for winemaking in warm climates (Winkler Region III or higher) or places with cold weather where freezing temperatures may kill standard Vinifera vines. An overview of breeding programs for new varieties will also be presented. There will also be a panel discussion from industry members on the difficulties of introducing new wine varieties to the various marketing channels including on-premise, three-tiered distribution and direct-to-consumer sales. A regional tasting representing the countries speakers are from will complete the symposium.
Program:
| 8:30 am – 8:45 am | Welcome |
| 8:45 am – 9:15 am |
Research Experiences at UC HREC with Alternative
Varieties Glenn McGourty, University of California Cooperative Extension, Mendocino County |
| 9:15 am – 9:45 am |
Research Experiences at UC KAC with Alternative
Varieties James Wolpert, University of California, Davis |
| 9:45 am – 10:00 am | Break |
| 10:00 am – 11:00 am |
Important Wine Varieties of Greece Haroula Spirinthroupoula, Consulting Enologist, Greece |
| 11:00 am – Noon |
Important Wine Varieties of Portugal Richard Mayson, Wine Writer, Lecturer and Consultant, United Kingdom |
| Noon – 1:00 pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm |
Breeding Programs from Around the World—What Is Their
Likely Contribution? M. Andrew Walker, University of California, Davis |
| 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm |
Important Varieties of Sicily Antonino “Nino” Pisciotta, University of Palermo, Italy |
| 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm |
Experiences Growing Wine Grapes in Cold Winter Regions Paolo Sabbatini, Michigan State University, East Lansing |
| 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm |
Interesting Vines and
Collections Sue Sim, University of California, Davis |
| 3:30 pm – 3:45 pm | Break |
| 3:45 pm – 4:30 pm |
Panel Discussion: Challenges of Introducing New Varieties to the Trade Nick Dokoozlian, E&J Gallo Winery, California Randall Grahm, Bonny Doon Vineyard, California Earl Jones, Abacela Winery, Oregon |
| 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm | Wine Tasting (available for a fee to National Conference registrants not attending symposium) |
