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Notes From The North The quarterly newsletter of the Minnesota Growers Association

Volume 35, Number 2 Summer 2009

Summer 2009 find details at our main site www.mngrapes.org by Tom Martell or www.iccwc.org. I hope this newsletter finds you in complete Other activities that have been occurring to carry control of your Camelot with vines pruned and out MGGA’s mission include: sprayed right on schedule, ample rains, and, pea- Board member Kori Knudsen has led a series of sized berries fattening by the day. On the other Strategic Planning Committee sessions to help the hand, if your are beginning to look like board identify priorities for resource allocation. unkempt jungles, you’re a bit behind in spraying Board member Don Slinger and MGGA member Rudy due to persistent winds, etal, --yet, if you still have Jungwirth conducted a successful education pea-sized berries—you are probably nearer to average program. Despite the pounding rain, more than 50 in terms of the amount of control you actually wield. people attended, the Summer in the event Nevertheless, it is such a satisfying avocation! held this past June. Evidently there were spots in the upper Midwest Board member Cyndi Ross has coordinated a summer where winter took a toll on cold hardy vines. There are networking and education opportunity — the Annual substantial vineyards of 2 to 3 year old vines where MGGA Picnic on July 11th at the vineyards of MGGA virtually all the plants restarted only from the ground. members Mike & Katie Dickerman. There are reports of older vines showing substantial winter damage, as well. The University has ventured The 2010 Cold Climate Conference Committee is to selected vineyards to inspect the damage and we planning the 6th Annual Cold Climate Grape & will ask Peter Hemstad to overview his findings at the Conference scheduled for February 11-13, 2010. Annual Meeting in January, 2010. Board member Cyndi Ross is recruiting volunteers to Your MGGA Board of Directors has been occupied with staff the MGGA booth at the Minnesota State Fair launching the inaugural International Cold Climate to inform the public about Minnesota’s grape and wine Wine Competition scheduled for August 24-25, 2009. industry. See the notice herein and remember: MGGA MGGA member and AWS certified wine judge Gordon State Fair booth volunteers go straight to Heaven! Rouse, MGGA Marketing & Promotions Committee I hope you have your fall grape marketing completed and Chair, Paula Soholt and MGGA board member, Mark that you are savoring the joy of summer vineyard duties Wedge have worked tirelessly on this project. We as this 2009 growing season approaches the midway expect a first rate competition for commercial point. It all passes too quickly to suit Deb & me. to demonstrate their cold climate wine skills. You can Enjoy the summer. In this Issue: Tom • From the Vineyard...... 2 • Fermentation Workshop...... 2 •— SAVE THE DATES —• • Inaugural International Cold Climate Wine Competition...... 3 • Summary MN Vineyard Survey ‘07...... 4 • Summary Vineyard/ Study...... 5 STATE FAIR Aug. 27 - Sept. 7, 2009 • WineHaven Awarded Patent...... 7 • — • • & Carbonic ...... 8 International Cold Climate Wine Competition • MGGA State Fair Booth...... 10 • MGGA 2009 Picnic-July 11...... 10 Entry Deadline: August 17, 2009 • 2009 Viticulture Tour...... 11 • Blackhills Area Growers Assn...... 12 • — • • Thanks Mike [White]...... 13 6th Annual Cold Climate Grape & Wine Conf. • 6th Annual Cold Climate Conference Scheduled...... 14 • MGGA BOD Minutes...... 14 February 11-13, 2010 • Summer in the Vineyard Recap...... 15 2 Summer 2009 FROM THE VINEYARD Fermentation Workshop by John Marshall, Great River Vineyard August 18, 2009 Spring has come and is nearly gone already. The cold University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum injury that I anticipated here at GRV was not nearly as Chanhassen, MN bad as expected. When I arose one chilly winter morning Pre-Registration Required last January I noted the thermometer on my deck reading Information available at: –39 F. I believed it erroneous, but the thermometer on http://winegrapes.cfans.umn.edu/ my truck read exactly the same. I had great concern as Or to what I might see this spring. However, the disasters Contact Nick Smith at [email protected] I had expected did not develop. less like last spring. This gives us enough time to get Although there was some injury at our small vineyard our spring work completed enabling us to do the jobs down by the highway (where everyone can see it) the completely instead of rushing from one job to injury up on the main vineyard was minor. Even the the next. Wordens that have been devastated in past at –25 F, are showing a good crop with some lost buds, but not It has also been dry. In our area, southeast of St. Paul, many. We pruned our Bluebells long leaving 4 bud spurs it is less droughty than in the Twin Cities and north and on our high wire instead of 2 buds to compensate for west of there. The Twin Cities reportedly endured the expected dead buds. There were virtually none and my third driest May on record whereas Iowa, once again, son Donovan has just gotten done going through again, is getting regular deluges to complicate their viticultural shortening up the spurs so we don’t let them overbear this world. summer. King of the North, Valiant, Frontenac, F. Gris, Although dry weather makes us all very uncomfortable, Sabrevois all came through with flying colors. Truthfully, and watering young vines becomes a chore that seems this was rather unexpected! Many of these varieties are to go on forever, it keeps disease pressure low. We known to suffer injury at this level. can spray with the least concentration of chemicals I think the answer is in the location of the upper vineyard recommended and we can stretch intervals between which is located on a gradual but definite rise from my sprays a few days, as rain is scarce, humidity low, lower vineyard down by the house near Highway 61. It sunlight normally abundant and morning dew generally appears that the coldest air settled to the ground and then light to non-existent. These are the conditions that slipped down the rise until it came up against the highway make disease control easy. Downy Mildew, Black Rot which rises several feel above the lower vineyard site and Anthracnose require water to propagate and when forming a trap for the coldest air. In fact, you can see it is dry they tend to control themselves. Even Powdery where the vines (Bluebell and Somerset Seedless) on the mildew, which needs less water than the others to higher edge of this vineyard and away from the highway develop need some water, and for us, PM has always came through essentially unscathed whereas the vines been at the bottom of our “Big Four” disease list. nearer the highway are mostly killed to the ground. We If we see conditions like Iowa growers have been have begun training new trunks here this summer. experiencing in recent years, copious rain, high humidity, It amazes me that the difference in temperature could be reduced sunlight, heavy dews that last late into the day that pronounced. My thermometers read –39 F. but in and difficulty finding dry days in which to spray, we will the higher vineyard back from the highway my Worden long for these dry and droughty days. If it didn’t get cold row survived although it is unable to take temperatures here in the winter we might think we live in California. 12-15 F. warmer. For me it underscores two things. First, If your mailing label still says 2008, that I need a weather station back in the main vineyard and two, to select a vineyard site that is not too low nor it’s time to renew for 2009. has barriers that will create a dam for cold air. Please visit our newly revamped website today www.mngrapes.org Otherwise the spring was cool and slow again. More or Volume 35, Number 2 3 Inaugural International Cold Climate Wine Competition Underway Registration Deadline August 17, 2009

While there are winemakers to dozens of wine showcase their competitions around the United skill and imagination in transforming these States, there is no competition devoted to the varieties to superior in a rapidly growing promotion of quality wines made exclusively new industry.” says Luby. from cold hardy grape cultivars, such were the The ICCWC extends the invitation to commercial findings of the feasibility study launched by the wineries producing wines from cold hardy grape MGGA Board of Directors. cultivars to participate in this inaugural competition to be held This study has lead to the formation of a wonderful partnership on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota on between the MGGA, the Minnesota State Fair and the University August 25, 2009.* of Minnesota where several of the cold hardy wine were For this first-time event, there are 34 different competition developed. Together, these organizations are sponsoring the categories, including Native Grape, French & American first of its kind International Cold Climate Wine Competition Hybrids, Sparkling, Specialty & Fortified, Non-Grape, and (ICCWC) for wines made from cold hardy grapes. 100% Cold Hardy Grape wines. “The competition is more evidence of the increasing quality Careful consideration has been given to judging panels which of cold climate grapes,” said Dr. Jim Luby, a professor in the will consist of an equal mix of qualified individuals from the wine U of M department of horticultural science. Dr. Luby is one media, enologists, restaurateurs and distributors/retailers. of the scientists developing the grapes and member of the In addition to Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, the ICCWC ICCWC steering committee. “A number of grape varieties with judges will award three Best of Category wines (red, white, improved potential for high quality wines have become available specialty/fortified) as well as the Minnesota Governor’s Cup in the last 15 years. This competition is an opportunity for Award. For this event, each entry will consist of 2 (two) bottles GREAT RIVER VINEYARD regardless of volume. The fee for each entry is $30. For EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS example, a winery entering two wines would send two bottles of each (4 bottles total) at a cost of $60. GRAPE GROWING 101: The Basics of Northern Viticulture A complete copy of the rules and categories is available at 6+ hours dvd $79.95 plus $6 shipping and $5.80 tax the International Cold Climate Wine Competition web site (MN residents) at: http://www.iccwc.org. If you have any questions, please LEARN TO PRUNE GRAPEVINES: The basics of pruning contact Gordon Rouse, Competition Coordinator, at gfrouse@ grapevines, demos’ cane and spur pruning and training iccwc.org. * All entries are to be shipped to the Minnesota young vines. 1 hour dvd. $39.95 plus $6 shipping and State Fair where they will be kept in air conditioned storage $3.10 tax (MN residents) until the competition. Given our summer weather extremes we encourage you to ship wines on Monday and Tuesdays INTRO’ TO NORTHERN GRAPE GROWING: Viticultural in order to help avoid any potential heat damage from wines introduction for smaller growers. 20 page booklet. sitting in a hot truck or warehouse over a weekend. Shipping Easy to understand. Access to good reference materials. instructions are provided in detail at the competition registration $6 plus $4 shipping, and $0.67 tax (MN residents) website. NORTHERN WINEWORKS (NEW UPDATED EDITION): The ICCWC steering committee is extremely grateful to Advanced information on northern viticulture with Peter Hemstad, Dr. Anna Katharine Mansfield and Mark extensive updates and additions. 213 pages. $36 plus Wedge for their support and guidance in helping establish $6 shipping, and $2.84 tax (MN residents) this competition. Great River Vineyard/Nursery Spread the word….this is a “don’t miss” competition for cold 35680 Hwy. 61 Blvd. Lake City, MN 55041 hardy grape winemakers. [email protected] Sincerely, the ICCWC Steering Committee: Dr. Jim Luby, Lou We take Visa, Mastercard & Discover Quast, Gordon Rouse, Paula Soholt. 4 Summer 2009 SUMMARY MINNESOTA showing strong appeal with plantings rising from 6.9% to 16%, almost the same as its red parent Frontenac. One VINEYARD SURVEY 2007 variety, which barely showed up on the survey before Prepared for the Minnesota Grape Growers Assn. 2003, showed strong growth. While still low in total vines, by Dr. Wm. Gartner/Brigid Tuck, Dept. of Applied Brianna, grew from .3% of the total before 2003 to 2.7% Economics University of Minnesota since that time. A Survey of Minnesota Vineyards was authorized by Several other varieties apparently lost favor. Foch, for the Minnesota Grape Growers Association in 2006. It example, experienced a dramatic decline going from was carried out by a collaboration of the Department of 8.0% or the total before 2003 to 2.5%, apparently due Applied Economics & The College of Food, Agricultural to it reputation for marginal hardiness in Minnesota. and Natural Resources Sciences under the auspices Sabrevois, despite its excellent growing characteristics, of the University of Minnesota. Results have become declined, possibly since some winemakers, with notable available in 2008 and following is a brief summary of exceptions, have had poor results with the wine. Prairie these results. Star has proven to be temperamental culturally and may be the reason it fell from 4.8% to 3.4% since 2003. In The survey revealed there are slightly over 1,000 acres addition, Valiant, Bluebell, Lacrosse and Swenson Red of grapes planted in the state, which may well be more all also showed declines in popularity. than many of us may have estimated. However, the most dramatic finding is that nearly 2/3 (65%) of these vines Several varieties with strong local roots had marginal have been planted since 2003. Although nearly 40% of showings both before and after 2003. St. Croix, St. these vines are in vineyards of less than ½ an acre about Pepin & Edelweiss for example remained at less than 60% are in larger plantings and the survey concludes 2.0% of the total both before and after 2003 despite most of these will be available for sale. This suggests their great popularity in other areas. Very likely this strongly that grape production in Minnesota is going to is because all have the reputation of being marginally increase dramatically in the years immediately ahead. hardy in Minnesota. Finally, it is interesting to note that plantings apparently are becoming more focused as the Also dramatic was the finding that the number of “Other” category went from 30% of the total before 2003 vineyards has doubled in the past five years. The largest to 10.8% since that time. vineyard to respond reported 10,000 vines. Several growers responded with 10 vines and even less. The Future plans for growers indicated that more than 60% most common response was from growers with about planned to increase the size of their vineyard substantially 500 vines. It is likely that few of the grapes grown in a or slightly. 36.9% indicated they planned to stay the same. vineyard smaller than this will be available for commercial Virtually none reported any plans to decrease either sale but fully 60% of these vineyards were larger than ½ slightly or substantially the size of their plantings. This acre and thus producing enough fruit to be available for underscores the likelihood that there will be a dramatic commercial sale. increase in the availability of grapes in the near future. In regard to varieties grown there has been a notable This situation is both a great opportunity and a liability to shift. Before 2003 Frontenac was easily the most widely the local grape and wine industry. In the years ahead planted grape in Minnesota followed by La Crescent, local wineries will have the opportunity to make much Marechal Foch and Frontenac Gris. “Other” vines filled more local wine than in the past. The need to purchase 30% of the total vines planted before 2003. grapes and juice from outside the state will decline greatly which will free them from having to purchase product that Since that time Marquette (26.3%) has taken over the has proven, in past, to be of variable characteristics and premier spot in Minnesota vineyards with Frontenac quality. The survey concludes that growers will need to falling to #2 (16.4%) of the total planted since 2003. La develop their marketing efforts to take advantage of this Crescent continues to hold a strong place in the hearts of great opportunity so their new crops will find a market. Minnesota growers with only a very slight percentage drop from 14.8% to 14.5% since 2003. Frontenac Gris also is Volume 35, Number 2 5 SUMMARY: VINEYARD & purchased, increased hiring, etc.) increased this by $5,580,695, for a total of $13,611,160 for a total WINERY ECONOMIC increase in the State’s economy of $13.6 million. The IMPACT STUDY state’s grape growers actually spent over $9,000,000 Dr. William Gartner - Brigid Tuck, Research Fellow but some of it was outside the state and thus is not counted in local economic activity. The Minnesota Grape Growers Association authorized a study to identify the economic impact the State’s In addition, the state’s grape growers spent $2.6 million grape and wine industry has on Minnesota’s economy. on labor creating directly 57 jobs and through the ripple This work was the result of collaboration between effect helped create 101 jobs. In total this indirect the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota impact led to an increase of $4.4 million in labor wages Grape Growers Assn. with funding from the Regional paid in 2007. However, vineyard owners reported they Sustainable Development Partnerships. The goal of worked thousands of hours of unpaid time themselves this study is to determine the contribution Minnesota’s in the building and care of their vineyards and received grape growers and wine producers made to the State’s thousands of additional hours of free volunteer help as economy in 2007. This study became available in well. According to the study these unpaid inputs would August of 2008. have added an additional 35 jobs to the total. The Minnesota Grape and Wine Industry is developing WINERY IMPACT at a fortuitous time. The consumption of wine is According to the Minnesota Department of Revenue growing rapidly throughout the U.S. and according to there were 26 wineries licensed in Minnesota under this study U.S. per capita consumption out stripped the Farm Winery Act. They spent a total of $5,107,920 per capita consumption of Italy and will soon surpass in Minnesota in 2007. The indirect economic impact that of the French. As a result, it should be noted that as this money moved through the economy generated the Minnesota industry is developing in an extremely indirect ripple effects of $3,442,731 for a total economic favorable environment. impact of $8.5 million. Grape Growing has developed quickly in this economic In addition the wineries created both directly and climate. Statistics from the Minnesota Department of indirectly, 68 new jobs. According to their responses Agriculture show that in 1992 there were 103 acres of each winery hired on average 1 full time and 4 part time grapes in the state. Just 10 years later, by 2002 grape employees. Thus there are 26 full time and 125 part acreage had more than doubled to 222 and the recent time employees. This activity added a total increase of survey conducted by the University of Minnesota shows $2.9 million to the state’s labor income. Again wineries there are over 1000 acres in the state as of 2008. reported substantial volunteer help, mostly with bottling, Minnesota wine production is also on the increase. In which would have added another 13 jobs to the total. 1975 there were only two licensed wineries in the state. * By 2007 this number has grown to 26 with several more opening this spring (2009). Moreover, wine sales are keeping pace. In the year 2000 the Minnesota Department of Revenue collected $3.7 million in sales LOOKING FOR ARTICLES taxes from Minnesota wine. By 2006 this number had Articles submitted to the editor AND used in the risen to $4.6 million. With the continued growth in both NFTN will entitle the author to a wine grape acreage and the opening of new wineries FREE one year MGGA membership. this number appears certain to continue to climb. 500 word minimum and must be of interest to GRAPE GROWING northern grape growing / . In 2007 Minnesota grape growers spent $8,030,465 Submit to: John Marshall — [email protected] on inputs within the state. The “ripple effect” of these expenditures (wages spent and re-spent, supplies 6 Summer 2009

WINERY TOURISM IMPACT exceeded either the vineyard or the winery elements Apart from the economic activity of vineyards and of this study and may well be the most critical part of wineries themselves, the survey found a dramatic vineyard & winery economic impact. tourism effect created by the existence of wineries in In fact the total economic impact of the whole industry a locality. Wineries sell a large percentage of their totaled $36,164,943. It included 324 additional jobs production at retail from the winery. Large groups, for the state and contributed nearly 10.9 million in labor weddings, tour groups, charitable events individual income to the state’s economy. In view of the fact visitors all came to the winery and in addition to the that virtually all the grape growers and all the wineries wine and paraphenalia purchased they visited local expected to expand their operations in the years ahead stores, purchased gas, ate in local restaurants, and suggests that this impact will continue to increase as stayed in local motels and bed and breakfasts. This well. spending is also an important part of the economic In addition it is worth noting that much of this activity impact of wineries. is generated in small town economies that badly need From this study it was estimated that winery tourism the economic activity and employment that this basic created both via direct and indirect impact a total of new agricultural industry offers them. It is also worth $12,051,008. It added both directly and by the indirect noting that the ripple effect of this new industry will ripple effect, 155 additional jobs and created $3,534,568 affect much of local and larger economies because of in labor income for the State of Minnesota. the tourism element that is largely or entirely absent in other agricultural industries. TOTAL ECONOMIC IMPACT The total economic impact of the grape and wine The study concludes that with the evident rapid growth industry in Minnesota consists of three components: of the local vineyards and the continuing increase in the 1. the production of grapes, 2. the operation and number of local wineries, challenges remain. Growing production of wineries and 3. the impact of winery pains appear to be developing and may become more related tourism. It is interesting and important to note notable. Even so, as they are resolved the economic that the economic impact of winery related tourism impact of this new industry will almost certainly increase as well. WINTERHAVEN V ineyard Nursery Varieties Include: LaCrescent Marquette (MN1211) Frontenac Gris Frontenac Prairie Star St. Croix Order NOW Brianna Sabrevois For St. Pepin King of the North 2009 Petite Amie Somerset Seedless Planting Edelweiss Blue Bell

Ray A. Winter 18103-628th Ave. Janesville, MN 56048 Home: 507-234-5469 Mobile: 507-317-7914 Please call with order. Email: [email protected] Website: www.winterhavengrapevines.com Volume 35, Number 2 7 WINEHAVEN AWARDED PATENT ON GRAPEVINE NAMED ‘CHISAGO’ by Kyle Peterson WineHaven Winery, of Chisago City, was recently awarded review process was underway, they used the ‘Chisago’ a U.S. Patent for its work in developing a new grapevine grape to make the winery’s popular Deer Garden Red that has a unique combination of winter hardiness, vigor, wine. The Deer Garden Red won gold medals at New disease resistance and wine quality. In keeping with York and competitions in 2006, 2007, tradition, the grapevine is named ‘Chisago,’ after the region and 2008 – the only WineHaven selection to win three from which it originated. According to U.S. Patent Office consecutive gold medals. records, fruit from the ‘Chisago’ vine can be used, “to The U.S. Patent Office determined the ‘Chisago’ grapevine produce red wines having a deep red color and desirable was novel over existing grapevines, and issued U.S. Plant aromas of cherry, currant, raspberry and blackberry.” Patent 19,246 for the vine on September 16, 2008. The The ‘Chisago’ grape is ‘Chisago’ grape is one of only 120 grapevines patented in the result of WineHaven’s the United States. Less than a handful of these varieties grape research program were developed by U.S. wineries. that began over fifteen The unique characteristics of the ‘Chisago’ grape enable years ago. Through WineHaven and the Peterson family to begin a new chapter various crossbreeding in their history – the pursuit of extreme winemaking. The techniques, inventors winery recently used the ‘Chisago’ grape to make its Kevin and Kyle Peterson, inaugural of Red . Ice Wine is a type of the wineries father/son winemaking team, produced from grapes that have been frozen identified a grapevine that was winter hardy while still on the vine. The natural freezing and thawing to about -40˚F. They submitted a U.S. Patent process intensifies the grape flavors and adds complexity Application for the variety in 2005. While the to the wine. Only a few drops of juice can be extracted from each grape, which is carefully guided through fermentation to achieve this rich and captivating specialty. Although the history of Ice Wine dates back to the 1700’s when it was discovered in Germany, it is rarely produced because traditional winegrowing regions are too warm, and most grapes are too fragile. The new ‘Chisago’ grape is ideal for Ice Wine because it is extremely winter hardy and, unlike most varieties, ‘Chisago’ grapes resist splitting during the winter season. According to the patent, “the berries resist prematurely separating from the cluster, and have consistently been observed hanging on the vine well after , and more than a month after a hard freeze.” The Peterson’s named their new Ice Wine “Slippery Slope,” after the hillside vineyards from which the grapes were harvested. They had a vision for a bottle design that would match the elegance of its contents. They imported petite glass bottles from Italy that boast a spiraling gold label. The reverse side of the label is teeming with original artwork of Mother Nature growing the grapes transitioning into a scene of Old Man Winter freezing the grapes. 8 Summer 2009 Beaujolais and by Robin Partch Immediately after our Crush was over in early October, 2008, would be priced even less than that. Think about that the next I flew to Lyon and spent several days with winemakers in the time you spend $10-14 for . Beaujolais. They have been using carbonic maceration for Winemaking Grapes must be hand-picked to maintain whole many years and I thought it possible that I could learn some cluster/whole berry integrity for carbonic maceration. At the philosophy (this is France, remember) and techniques that winery, they are loaded into vats where the weight of the would be useful for my winemaking here in Minnesota. I had load crushes the bottom layers of fruit. is a very thin- e-mailed ahead through the Beaujolais growers association skinned and juicy grape variety, so a lot of juice is released and arranged to meet four winemakers who were willing to initially and more is released as the grapes break down in the share their experience. I stayed with Jean-Louis Chapuy and maceration phase. The juice released is inoculated, typically his wife at their Domaine near the very top of the Chiroubles with 71B yeast, and the ensuing fermentation will generate Cru, and helped him press out the last of his 2008 crop. I enough to push air with oxygen out the top of also visited estates in Morgon and Regnie-Durette, and spent the vat. Maceration and fermentation can extend up to two an afternoon with the winemaker at the Cave Beaujolaise weeks, and in the vats that I saw at Domaine Chapuy and de Quincie. I speak enough French to ask ungrammatical Domaine Brisson, the entire mass of grapes was completely questions and understand enough to make sense of the submerged in the must at the end of primary fermentation. replies unless they start using local dialect. The people in Small estates typically use concrete vats up to 2-3,000 gallons this region did not speak French themselves until after the for maceration and fermentation, then the new wine goes Revolution, so there are a lot of colloquialisms. to stainless steel tanks after has AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) Beaujolais is quite finished. The vats are unloaded by pump and elevator to the large and produces 30-40 million gallons of appellation wine press, and the press and free run fractions are combined. Vat each year from thousands of small vineyards. Least of these interiors show tartaric accumulations, lids for the vats do not is labeled Beaujolais and primarily comes from the flat, clay- seal well, and everyday cleanup does not always entail the based vineyards south of Villefranche. This makes up a third use of hot water. Nevertheless, I had some wonderful Cru of the total production and most goes into Nouveau. Another Beaujolais made under those conditions, including dense and and better third is from the areas qualified to be identified complex wines from 2003, which was the killer hot summer in as Beaujolais-Villages, and the best third will usually have France and the rest of Europe. I also had Cru wines from 1988 a village name on the label instead of the word Beaujolais, and 1989 which had matured elegantly, remarkably similar to because these producers don’t want to be associated in the older Burgundies. Gamay is a member of the Noiren family of consumers’ minds with ordinary wine. These are the 10 Cru grape varieties, which includes Pinot and . wines from Brouilly, Chenas, Chiroubles, de Brouilly, The large Cave Cooperative that I visited in Quincie has over Fleurie, Julienas, Morgon, Moulin-a-Vent, Regnie-Durette, a million gallons of stainless vats and nearly twice that much and St. Amour. These superior types are grown on granite tank capacity to be used for storage after fermentation is hillsides up to 1500 feet, mostly facing south and east. Gamay completed. Here the entire mass of juice, skins, seeds, and noir a jus blanc is the grape variety that totally dominates the stems was conveyed to the presses using 100 mm (4 inch) area, grown with Guyot training and wires in the lowlands, stainless lines and pumps. There were four 120-hectoliter and goblet-style on the hills at densities up to 5,000 vines computer-controlled horizontal membrane presses in use. per acre on meter-by-meter spacing. Even at these densities, Sanitation of the tanks, lines, and presses was scrupulous, production is supposed to be kept under 3 tons per acre. and there were no off odors anywhere in the entire winery Vines are cluster-thinned to 8-10 clusters per vine and also complex. When I was there in the first week of October, the leaf-thinned to encourage ripening. Cave Beaujolaise de Quincie was filtering 2008 Beaujolais Beaujolais still has hundreds of small, private estate wineries, Nouveau to be bottled the following week for release in but commerce is dominated by the Cave Cooperatives and November. the huge operation at Romaneche-Thorins built by George Carbonic maceration is the intracellular breakdown of berry Duboeuf. Traditional Burgundy negociants Louis Jadot, Louis compounds after asphyxiation (a lack of the oxygen necessary Latour, Jaboulet-Vercherre, and Bouchard Pere et Fils also for metabolism), and should be distinguished from enological have major roles in the appellation. The smaller estates are fermentation due to the action of yeasts and bacteria. Fruit under enormous economic pressure from the 600 pound , hemicelluloses, and malic acid are important berry gorilla over near the Saone River, so the Cave Cooperatives constituents that are affected, and all are somewhat degraded seem to offer the best way for many small growers to maintain during carbonic maceration. My opinion is that strict carbonic their existence. Very few people get rich making wine in the maceration never occurs in a commercial winery because Beaujolais, and I was offered bottled and labeled Cru wine some fraction of the fruit at the bottom of the vat is always from a good producer for 2 Euros ($2.80) a bottle wholesale. crushed by the weight of the fruit on top, and the juice released Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages from a Cave Cooperative Volume 35, Number 2 9 will be fermented by whatever microorganisms happen to be with hot water and a little scrubbing. present. A winemaker can control the ratio of carbonically- We have tried going directly from the vat to the press, but macerated fruit to the normally fermented fraction of the fruit there were always a lot of unpressed berries in the in several ways. when we would empty the press, and I was not satisfied with First is the choice of grape variety to use. St. Croix, like the yield. We now pump all the liquid possible from the vat Gamay, is thin-skinned and juices easily, so the amount of through the press. This is identified as being free-run and is fermenting juice will be large to begin with, and will increase kept separate from the ensuing press-run fraction of the must. quickly as the grapes above the level of the fermenting liquid The must that is not pumpable is lifted out and goes through break down and are consequently crushed by the overlying the destemmer-crusher on its way to the press. We do a slow fruit. The increasing level of juice can be observed through press, up to 1 atmosphere, and avoid doing much rolling of the translucent walls of the kind of HDPE vats that we use the 12hL horizontal press. at Northern Vineyards, and after five days, all the fruit is At Northern Vineyards, we employ carbonic (or semi-carbonic) submerged in liquid, not just carbon dioxide. If you are using maceration in the production of all of our red wines because concrete, wooden, or stainless steel vats, you won’t be able it is very effective in the reduction of acid and because there to see this happening. Foch and Frontenac have berries are special aromas associated with carbonic maceration that with firmer structure, possibly because of the amount of are unique. It also helps to avoid the production of green, hemicelluloses in the cell walls, and the juice levels rise at stemmy flavors in St. Croix and Foch. The resulting wines are approximately half the rate of that seen with St. Croix or definitely not Beaujolais, but they are deeply-colored, fruity, Sabrevois. The juice level does not reach the top of the fruit substantial examples of the kind of wine it’s possible to make for at least 10 days. here in Minnesota. Our Old Vines (Foch) took gold and best Second is the choice of how much fruit to crush. None is not of class at the Riverside (CA)Competition a few years ago, possible to achieve given the large scale of a commercial and the St. Croix Reserve is a multiple gold medal wine with winery. We typically crush 5% of the fruit by treading on it surprising aging potential. One of our Cooperative members with clean boots, then innoculate directly from the bag with is still drinking the 1999. This year, for the first time, we had a yeast. I use either Pasteur Red or Fermirouge; I believe the substantial quantity of Minnesota-grown Marquette, the new difference in metabolic products of various yeast strains is University of Minnesota variety, and I decided to try carbonic much less important than the type and especially the quality maceration with this variety also. It is in French now; of the grapes. For a faster evolution of carbon dioxide or a results will be available later this year. quicker, warmer maceration and fermentation, perhaps as much as 50% of the fruit could be crushed, destemmed, and pumped to the vat before adding the remainder as whole cluster/whole berry. Northern Another important control method is in the choice of the vat, both size and shape. Large vats will allow more fruit to be Vineyards crushed than small ones will, and tall, narrow vats will cause STILLWATER more juicing than wide, shallow ones. Stainless steel will • MINNESOTA • dissipate heat from the fermentation more quickly than wood, concrete, or HDPE, and the cooler temperature will slow fermentation and thus all chemical processes in the space Since 1977, we have specialized in the production of wines above. I prefer warm, fast fermentations for my red wines, and S from locally-grown grapes. Current offerings include the heat holding ability of the HDPE helps in this regard. We St. Croix, St. Pepin, La Crosse, Laura’s Laughter, do some of our red wines outdoors at the end of September. Edelweiss, Frontenac, Foch, La Crescent, , Enough heat is generated by the fermentation to warm the , Prairie Star, and Gewurztraminer. entire vat despite cool exterior temperatures. At Northern Vineyards, our vats are wider than they are deep, and we can get as much as 5 tons of fruit in a 1500 gallon vat. Using carbonic maceration requires extra vat capacity because of the space between berries and between clusters, For Harvest 2009, we offer grapes, pressed juice, and bulk and each vat could be tied up for as much as two weeks, so wine to wineries in the Upper Midwest. having plenty of vat capacity is essential. HDPE is relatively cheap and transportable, so we have plenty of them and we For quantities and pricing, contact: store them offsite during the other 48 weeks of the year when Robin at 651-430-1032 during early August, we don’t need them. They are also easy to clean; there is or email to [email protected] always dried foam residue and usually tartaric deposits on the walls after we empty the vats, which come off fairly easily 10 Summer 2009 2009 MGGA Annual Picnic July 11, 2009 11-3pm Woodland Hill Winery

731 County Road 30 • Delano MN 55328 Volunteers Needed! 763-972-4000 • www.woodlandhillwinery.com No expertise required, just enthusiasm!! Mike and Katie Dickerman will be our hosts for the MGGA will again have a booth in the Horticulture Annual MGGA picnic at their Woodland Hill Winery Building at the State Fair. July 11th starting at 11am. Woodland Hill Winery August 27 to September 7 encompasses 20 beautiful acres (7 in grapes), a bottling There will be (2) two 4-hour shifts Each Day of the fair barn, and a tasting room, overlooking Fountain Lake. (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.) This year’s educational opportunities include tours of the vineyard and bottling barn, a demo of Mike’s self- We like to have 2 people per shift built “Mighty Weeder,” discussion of growing Marquette – a great “couple” thing grapes, and Larry Shafer from Agro-K. LIVE music to You can talk to folks about the MGGA, the wine trail, follow in the tasting room at 2pm. and grapes in general; there will be brochures and The tentative agenda is as follows: handouts to assist you in spreading the word about MN 11:00 a.m. ��� Set-up and registration; we will be in grapes. Tickets are provided for our volunteers; spend the barn, to the east of the tasting room the rest of the day before or after your shift enjoying —please follow the signs. the Great Minnesota Get-Together! Many volunteers 11:30 a.m. ��� First tour of vineyard by Mike and Mighty return each year because it turns out to be FUN and Weeder demo the time really does go quickly. But we need new faces 12:30 p.m. �� Potluck lunch and voices each year. Be one of them! 1:30 p.m. ���� Second tour of vineyard and Mighty Call Cyndi Ross at 651-647-9403 or e-mail at Weeder demo [email protected] to sign up for a shift Larry Shafer will be available most of the day to discuss Agro- K’s line of products, which Woodland Hill Winery uses. “With a Tweezers in One Hand Everyone is asked to bring a dish to share and encouraged to bring something to grill. There will be and a Book in the Other” electricity for crock pots and running water in the bottling This biography, barn. Seating is limited, so please bring folding chairs. authored by This will be a wonderful time to relax, learn a little, eat Penny Krosch, ALOT, and meet old and new friends! records the We are looking for general help with parking, set-up life and grape and take down. breeding experience of If interested, please contact Wisconsin grape Cyndi Ross [email protected] or pioneer Elmer visit www.mngrapes.org for event details. Swenson. The Book may be purchased through MGGA. Volume 35, Number 2 11

possible, we will have to cancel. And remember, you do 2009 Viticulture Tour need to send the check with the registration form. by Timothy K. Rehbein, Vernon County UW-Ext. If you have questions, please contact me at my office, 608- Back in 2005, there was a group of Wisconsin and 637-5276 or via email at [email protected] Minnesota grape growers that took part in a tour that went And if you know of someone who might be interested but to southwest Michigan’s wine grape region to visit a few is not a member of the WGGA, that is no problem. You do wineries and to attend the Michigan State University’s not have to be a member to participate in the tour. Viticulture Field Day at Benton Harbor. Everyone had a We hope to see you on the tour in July. very educational and enjoyable time. A number of the growers have indicated that it is time 2009 VITICULTURE TOUR ITINERARY to attend the field day again so in cooperation with the Tuesday, July 28 – Thursday, July 30th Wisconsin Grape Growers Association and the Vernon Destination: Michigan State University’s County UW-Extension Office, the 2009 bus tour is set for 2009 Viticulture Field Day Tuesday, July 28th through Thursday July 30th. Tuesday, July 28 Given the fact that we do not have grant funds to help 5:00 a.m. Board the bus in La Crescent, MN at the American pay for the tour this time, we did have to shorten the time Legion frame into a three day trip. But I am pretty sure it is safe to say that we will learn just as much as last time. 5:45 a.m. Board the bus in Viroqua, WI at the Vernon Day one will include bus pick up at three locations and County Fairgrounds travel to Benton Harbor. We are having to leave rather 8:30 a.m. Board the bus in Madison, WI at the Dane County early in the day in order to get to our late afternoon UW-Extension Office appointment at Fenn Valley Winery. At Fenn Valley, we will be taking a two hour long, wagon ride We will do an “oasis” stop near Chicago for a through their vineyard. We will be able to sample a wine break from each variety of grape that we see. Following the 2:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) arrive at our hotel in Benton tour, we will sit down for a catered evening meal in the Harbor, MI Courtyard/Marriott, 1592 Mall Dr., winery’s banquet area. 269-925-3000 Day two is the Viticulture Field Day. The bus will leave the 4:00 p.m. Arrive at Fenn Valley Winery for a wagon ride hotel in the morning with the folks that plan to attend the wine tasting tour of the vineyard followed by a entire field day. The field day will consist of an equipment trade show and wagon tours to the various wine grape catered meal research plots at the station. Lunch will be provided at ?:00 p.m. Arrive back at the hotel the research station along with an evening supper. For Wednesday, July 29 spouses or guests who do not wish to attend the field day but want to have supper with us, the bus will be making 9:00 a.m. Board the bus and travel to the MSU Research another trip, later in the afternoon, from the hotel to the Station for the Viticulture Field Day research farm to get you out there. And of course, there 4:00 p.m. Bus leaves the hotel again for the research station will be a number of Michigan wines for the tasting during with spouses/guests who did not wish to attend the evening meal. the field day but wish to have dinner with the Day three is the return trip but not until we travel out to group at the research station DeGrandchamp Farms to load up on Michigan blueberries. If memory serves me correctly, you can purchase in 5, 8:00 p.m. or there-a-bouts, board the bus and head back 10 or 20 pound boxes. Then, it’s time to hit the road and to the hotel head back home. Thursday, July 30 The cost for this year’s tour is $500 each for single 9:00 a.m. Check out of the hotel and board the bus and occupancy lodging and only $350 each for double travel to DeGrandchamp Farms for blueberries occupancy lodging. This price includes the cost of the charter tour bus, the Fenn Valley wine tasting and meal, 11:00 a.m. Depart DeGrandchamp’s for home the field day registration fee and two nights of lodging. The 3:30 p.m. (Central Time) Arrive in Madison maximum number that we can take will be 55 folks and the minimum number of paid registrations that we need 5:30 p.m. Arrive in Viroqua are 30. If we don’t get enough participants as soon as 6:30 p.m. Arrive in La Crescent 12 Summer 2009 BLACK HILLS GRAPE & BERRY GROWERS ASSOCIATION FORMS In 2004 a number of Black Hills grape & berry growers gathered to consider forming an association of growers to further the art and science of grape (& berry) culture in the Black Hills area of South Dakota and adjacent states. It began with a meeting in Belle Fourche, SD to see if there was any interest. About 50-55 people showed up mostly interested local townspeople and farmers. It was decided from this that there was enough interest and formation of a group should proceed. It was thought that while some area growers and winemakers were producing some pretty enjoyable wines, cooperation and networking among growers would help develop the quality and improve the visibility of area wines and wineries. In the intervening years, events, cooperation and general networking have helped awaken interest and visibility in an area not previously regarded as having viticultural potential. In fact, the efforts of this group have shown fruit, so to speak and has grown to include approximately 25 local growers, five wineries and perhaps 30-35 acres of grapes. This past March, the BHG&BGA hosted its first truly area event with Dr. Paul Domoto, Grape Specialist from Iowa State University; Dr. Kenneth Fulgelsang, University of California, Fresno; and South Dakota Grape Extension Specialist, Dr. Rhoda Burrows. Participation was excellent with nearly 100 attending to include new and experienced growers, winemakers, winery owners and interested area residents. Association President John Jackson, a Belle Fourche Winery & Vineyard dentist, grower and owner of Belle Joli Winery in Belle Fourche, says that interest continues to grow and inquiries, Tasting Room • Gift Shop • Art Gallery plantings and plans for new wineries continue to develop. Open April through December Considering that the Black Hills is a well-known tourist destination wineries will surely thrive and soon accentuate Located in the SW Metro, 1 mile this valuable regional asset. south of Lydia on MN Hwy 13. Varieties most widely grown are Frontenac, Frontenac 21646 Langford Ave. (Hwy 13) Gris, Marquette, La Crescent, Valiant, Edelweiss, Foch, Jordan, MN 55352 Concord and others. Moreover, area growers are actively seeking out and planting new varieties that may show promise in an area characterized by elevations of 3500’-4200’, little summer rain, moderate summer heat and remarkable temperature fluctuations during fall and Email: [email protected] winter. www.crofutwinery.com For additional information or to join the BHG&BGA contact Teresa at 605-892-2676 or email: director@ Phone: 952-492-3227 (492-FAB7) bellefourchechamber.org • www.bellefourchechamber.org Volume 35, Number 2 13

——— FOR SALE ——— THANKS MIKE Approximately 75 by John Marshall 4’ GDC Wolverine steel cross arms. I was returning from the Nebraska Grape and Wine Conference $5.00 each, (About half price). this past early March (excellent show, by the way) when I started to notice my car acting just a little unsettled. I stopped, but could Brand new, never used. find nothing wrong. However, as I left I-80 to turn onto I-35 to Contact: Mark Hebert • 612-328-2592 head north toward Minnesota the car in front of me slowed and 23300 Grandview Trail • Lakeville, MN 55044 when I braked I noted the brakes were a little soft and the periodic vibration I had noted earlier became worse. I soon realized this *2009 Membership was not going to self-correct and I stopped at an exit just north of Payments received on or after September 1, 2008 Des Moines and checked into a motel to see if I was going to be automatically renewed your membership for the year 2009. If you joined or renewed at the MGGA able to find a mechanic. Booth at the 2008 Minnesota State Fair at the end It was late on a Saturday evening, a time when no self-respecting of August or if you submitted your payment using car mechanic is going to be answering his phone. I called home the State Fair Form, even if it was received before September 1, you were automatically joined or and told my son Donovan to feed my cat one more day. The only renewed for 2009. auto mechanic shop that did answer the phone was a convenience store clerk who told me no one would be in until Monday and they were scheduling for Thursday when they closed up the past Friday. A little anxious, I called Mike White, Iowa’s indefatigable grape specialist, who lives just south of Des Moines in hopes he knew of a mechanic who might help a desperate friend. Although he did not have one in mind, he called around just the same. I woke up the next morning to rain mixed with snow. All I could find to watch was the Weather Channel and someone else’s local news. Man, it was depressing! Apparently when a grape grower is in need, technical advice is not the only help Mike White is willing to offer. Suddenly my cell rang. I picked it up. The voice on the other end said, “I don’t know what I’m doing here in a motel parking lot, in the middle of a snowstorm with a hydraulic jack but here I am!” I looked out the motel window. There was Mike White jacking up my truck in a rain mixed with snow Sunday morning. I had no idea what he had in mind but this was the first un-depressing thing that had happened since I’d left Nebraska. As we talked a car spun out on the nearby snow covered freeway and initiated a fender bender. I remember thinking, “This man is crazier than I am”. With the truck jacked up he was able to definitely ID the problem as a burned out wheel-bearing and drove me over to show me a local Chrysler dealership that should be able help. He also recommended an excellent all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet. (We can eat quite a bit it turns out.) Things were actually beginning to look up. His fortune cookie read “Today is a good day to do a friend a favor”. Under the circumstances I thought that remarkably accurate. Mine read “Tomorrow you will find what you are looking for.” I did. The next day the local Chrysler Dealership towed my truck in and fixed me up. – I don’t know what Iowa State pays Mike White but it’s not enough. Again, “Thanks Mike”. 14 Summer 2009 6th Annual Cold Climate Grape MGGA Board of Directors & Wine Conference Meeting Summary by Paula Soholt A meeting of the board of directors was held at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, 7800 Normandale Blvd, Planning is underway for the 6th Annual Cold Climate Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 21, 2009. Conference to be held at the Bloomington Sheraton Present: Cyndi Ross, Tom Martell, Paula Soholt, Ron Hotel, February 11 – 13, 2010, Bloomington Sheraton Barnes, Kori Knudsen, Nick Smith, John Thull, Larry Hotel. Your thoughts, ideas and suggestions are Westerberg, Alan Olson, Dale Olmstead, Tom Mohn, welcome for this key industry event! Please direct Dave Duddleston, Mark Wedge, Don Slinger. Absent: Rick Mollin; Dr. Jim Luby suggestions via email to: [email protected] or Treasurer’s report: Ron Barnes reviewed balance [email protected] . sheet. A Special thank you . . . 2010 Cold Climate Conference Update: Conference director Paula Soholt reviewed conference committee 2009 CCC Committee progress. Discussion of increasing sponsorship • Ronald Barnes - Facility, Budget & Website program, vendor coordination, Midwest Wine Stroll, and Sheraton contracted items. • Jenny Bradley - Food/Catering International Cold Climate Wine Competition Update: • Peter Hemstad - Growers Track, Generalist Much has been done by the competition committee with the University and State Fair coordinators. • Rudy Jungwirth - Trade Show Coordinator MGGA Education Committee: • Kori Knudsen - Sponsorships Chairman Alan Olson discussed idea for an Elmer • Tom Martell - Ex-Officio Swenson Chair as a permanent addition to the MGGA • Nicholas Smith – Enology Track board of directors to honor the legacy of Mr. Elmer Swenson. • Paula Soholt - CCC Committee Chair Nomination Committee: Dave Duddleston discussed • John Thull - Volunteer Coordinator the need for BOD leadership succession plan. Draft plan will be presented for discussion at the July BOD • Nicole Walsh - Cold Climate Conference Event meeting. Coordinator The full minutes of the meeting can be viewed by • Mark Wedge – Wine Stroll Coordinator members under the Newsletter section of the website. 2009 CCC Volunteers • AV: Mark Hart, Tim Rehbein, Marv Sepannen • Conference Photographer: Terri Ellering • MGGA Booth Coordinators: Chris & Terri Ellering • Registration: Cheri Anderson, Sheri Stoltenberg, Karyn Vidmar • Session Room Managers: Tom Mohn, Alan Olson, Nick Smith 507-249-WINE • Wine Stroll Preview & People’s Choice Award: Karyn Weekends May - Oct Vidmar www.fieldstonevineyards.com • Wine Stroll Special Music: Chad Stoltenberg 38577 St. Hwy 68 • “Super Volunteers” providing misc. background Morgan, MN support throughout conference: Scott Andrzejczak, 5 Miles West of Morgan/Hwy 68 Alison Bunge, Juliana Galvao, Noah Hemstad, Aric Minnesota Wine From Koenen, Martin Polognioli, Angie Winter Minnesota Grapes & Fruit • MGGA Board of Directors providing support throughout conference Volume 35, Number 2 15 SUMMER IN THE VINEYARD – POURING RAIN Rudy Jungwirth’s Valley Vineyard, Prescott, WI Despite an evening of pouring rain, (which ordinarily would have been very much appreciated, had it not been just in time for this “outdoor” event), 57 of 83 pre-registered guests showed up at Rudy Jungwirth’s developing vineyard just south of Prescott, Wisconsin. Rudy moved the event from outdoors to his large machine shed back of his winery where most found seats and sat in rapt attention as three experienced growers gave short presentations and answered questions as the evening progressed. David and his brother Melvin Danzinger, who are opening a new winery near Alma Wisconsin, Rudy Jungwirth, who talked about his experiences planting and developing his new operation and John Marshall of Great River Vineyard & Nursery at Lake City, Minnesota all talked and gave of their experience. Rudy brought in a vine that had been sprayed by 2-4d and this initiated a lot of discussion on spray problems and proved instructive to all. Questions and interest seemed abundant and despite the rain rattling the roof the event was deemed a success. Thanks to David, Melvin and John for sharing their knowledge and experience and especially to Rudy for providing the site and the refreshments. Feedback is essential from attendees as we plan future on-site seminars such as these. Please email: [email protected] Falconer Vineyards Winery & Nursery Specializing in northern winter hardy varieties by the University of Minnesota and Elmer Swenson.

Falconer Vineyards Winery Open: Friday • Saturday • Sunday

Wine Tasting: $4 per person Fridays Noon - 5pm Saturdays 10am - 6pm • Sundays noon-5pm

Contact: [email protected] 3572 Old Tyler Rd. Red Wing, MN 55066 651-388-8849 www.FalconerVineyards.com Minnesota Grape Growers Association MDT & Associates President: Tom Martell 3319 York Ave. N. Vice President: Paula Soholt Minneapolis, MN 55422 Secretary: Richard C. Mollin Local: (763) 529-4355 Treasurer: Ron Barnes Board of Directors: David J. Duddleston, Donald Slinger, Toll Free: 1-888-530-7082 Kori Knudsen, Cyndi L. Ross, Alan K. Olson, Fax: (763) 522-5843 Thomas Mohn, Dale Olmstead, John Thull, E-Mail: [email protected] Larry Westerberg, Nick Smith, Mark Wedge Jim Luby-Ex Officio www.mdtgrow.com Editor: John Marshall Call MaryJo for a free catalog Purpose Statement: The Minnesota Grape Growers Association Free grow tube sample on request (MGGA) was formed to further the art and science of growing grapes in cold climates. The Association sponsors grape growing instructional workshops and events for those interested in learning more about Supplies for Vineyards SERVING GROWERS grape growing and winemaking in Minnesota. Pruning Shears, Saws, Loppers LIKE Membership Information: Both amateur and experienced commercial SINCE 1986!YOU growers are invited to join. Membership is *$45 per year and includes Budding & Grafting Knives our Notes From The North quarterly newsletter and, for new members, Grow Tubes & Treeshelters a booklet, Growing Grapes in Minnesota. Send check to Cheri Anderson, 433 West 3rd Street, Ste. 1, Red Wing, MN 55066 Wire Tighteners and Joiners Email: [email protected] Post Staples & Clips, Tying & Trellising Supplies Advertisement: $50 per quarterly issue or $175 per year for ¼ page. Birdgard Electronic Alarms Contact the editor for additional advertising information. Birdcare Items: Cannons, Netting E-mail: [email protected] Deer Repellent, Picking Shears, Grape Forks COPYRIGHT INFORMATION: Unless otherwise noted all material may be copied, quoted, etc., provided the author and MGGA are credited. The editor Refractometers, PH Meters, Books authors all material and photographs without a designated author or source.

*Membership is $40 if you choose to receive the newsletter via email. Fast, Friendly Service!

If your mailing label still says 2008, it is time to renew for 2009.

Notes From The North Minnesota Grape Growers Association 433 West 3rd Street, Ste. 1 Red Wing, MN 55066

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