Winegrape research seminar registration opens

Registration is now open for a seminar designed to share viticulture and enology research outcomes with growers.

Washington Advancements in Viticulture and Enology (WAVE), the Washington wine industry’s annual signature research event, is scheduled for April 11. The event is to be at the Washington State University (WSU) Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Wine Science Center in Richland, Washington.

The theme of this year’s WAVE, sponsored by the Washington State Wine Commission and WSU, is strengthening the industry connection with viticulture and enology faculty and students, who conduct valuable research for the Washington wine industry.

The event is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by a wine social hour.

The afternoon will include reports of key research projects and highlight student internships and student research.

Agenda details include:

• Optimizing Vineyard Nutrition – Markus Keller, WSU viticulturist Exploring Grape Maturity, Alcohol Concentration and Long-term Maceration on Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Sensory Properties – Jim Harbertson, WSU enologist
• What to Integrate with Nematode IPM – Michelle Moyer, WSU Extension viticulture specialist
• Development of Vineyard and Winery Tools to Manage Smoke Impacts – Tom Collins, WSU wine chemist
• Grape Mealybug Mating Disruption: Potential to Sustainably Slow Leafroll Virus Spread – Doug Walsh, WSU entomologist and statewide IPM coordinator
• Student Spotlight – panel discussion on internships and focus on graduate student research

The Wine Commission dedicates about 20% of its annual budget to fund and support research. Washington’s wine research is industry driven and guided, and the results are accessible to all involved in the industry. Past research projects have benefited the entire industry, from reducing pesticide applications to conserving irrigation water and improving wine quality, according to a news release.

Registration is $20. To register, visit here.

For additional information, contact Melissa Hansen, Research Program Director at mhansen@washingtonwine.org.