Portland, Ore. (Feb. 3, 2016) – The 2016 Oregon Wine Symposium, set for Feb. 23-24 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, will host educational sessions on new advancements and agricultural practices in viticulture and enology for vineyard workers and managers, cellar hands and winemakers.
Spanish interpretation services will be available for all viticulture and general sessions on Feb. 24 in order to extend training to vineyard workers who speak Spanish as a first language. The professional instruction on technical topics improves the learning experience and comprehension for staff with a limited English proficiency. The service makes the information presented at the Symposium truly valuable to all winery and vineyard employees.
“Oregon’s grape growers and wine makers are excited about the viticulture and enology speakers at this year’s Symposium,” said Dr. David Beck, chairman of the Oregon Wine Board. “The knowledge and insights that these experts will present enables Oregon producers to grow and vinify among the highest quality wines in the world.”
California legend and vineyard research advocate, Jerry Lohr, will set the stage on why research and experimentation are vital to advancing Oregon’s wine industry in the session, Adapting to the New Normal: Unlocking the Potential in our Vineyards through Research. Additional speakers will explain why practices rooted in science will continue to yield improvements, help vineyard managers respond more effectively to unanticipated threats, drive innovation and how attendees can benefit from DIY experimentation in their vineyards.
Current research on changes that occur in yeast populations during spontaneous fermentations will be presented in the session, Yeast Fermentation Dynamics. Speakers will discuss how sulfur dioxide additions can change the yeast strains conducting spontaneous fermentations, the results of a two year trial monitoring changes in yeast populations during spontaneous fermentations and resulting wines produced. Session will be moderated by 36-year winemaking veteran and winery owner, Ken Wright.
Explore the many variables to consider when choosing the proper trellis system for your vineyard including grape variety, anticipated vine vigor, climate, topography and desired wine style in the session Shady Business: Choosing the Right Trellis System for Your Vineyard Site. Speakers will cover questions such as: Should trellis systems be the same for Pinot noir and Chardonnay? How should trellis systems change moving from the warmer climate in Southern Oregon to cooler climates in the North? This session will examine trellising options and their impact on vine productivity and vine performance.
In the joint viticulture and enology session, Soil, Water and Time: How to Grow Grapes for Tannin attendees will learn how tannin levels can be controlled and manipulated in the vineyard while tasting examples of wines with varying tannin levels. Gain insights on how to control tannins through water management in the soil via retention of moisture and irrigation and how tannins develop during the maturation process.
Don’t miss the opportunity to network with speakers, attendees and exhibitors in a fun, relaxed environment at the Oregon Wine Soirée, held at the Leftbank Annex on Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The Soirée is a new feature of the 2016 Symposium. Enjoy wines from across Oregon, hors d’oeuvres and live music. A separate ticket is required to attend the Soirée.
For a complete schedule of the program, speakers, events and to register, visit symposium.oregonwine.org.
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About the Oregon Wine Board
The Oregon Wine Board is a semi-independent Oregon state agency managing marketing, research and education initiatives that support and advance the Oregon wine and wine grape industry. The Board works on behalf of all Oregon wineries and independent growers throughout the state’s diverse winegrowing regions. For more information, visit industry.oregonwine.org.
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