Lake County News | California

To help answer the question “Should I go organic?” the Lake County Winegrape Commission is sponsoring an organic winegrowing seminar on March 20 at Ceago Vinegarden in Nice.

This seminar will look at ways that growers can begin to use or improve on their organic vineyard management practices.

First on the program is manager Ann Thrupp, who will talk about wine in the organic market place. As director of sustainability at Fetzer Vineyards, Thrupp undertakes outreach and educational events about organic and sustainable farming practices for growers and the broader community.

Glenn McGourty, University of California Cooperative Extension farm advisor, will speak on organic soil fertility, vineyard floor management, as well as organic pest and disease management.

McGourty will be joined by Lucia Varela, University of California Cooperative Extension Integrated Pest Management advisor. Varela has been involved as a principal investigator on a grant from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to develop and deliver an Integrated Pest Management educational programs for North Coast grape growers.

Following an organic lunch, owner and grower Jim Fetzer will take attendees on a guided tour of Ceago Vinegardens. Ceago Vinegarden is certified organic and biodynamic and is committed to producing high quality grapes for wine while farming using biodynamic practices.

The afternoon program will include a presentation on “Organic Farming and Implication for Wine Quality by Ginny Lambrix, winemaker and director for Jim Ball Vineyards, Philo. At De Loach Vineyards for three years, Lambrix worked closely with her growers to move their estates to organic and biodynamic farming practices to improve quality and moderate farming costs. Jim Ball Vineyards is a small Pinot noir producer in the Anderson Valley.

There will also be a panel of organic growers who will discuss how growers can wean themselves off of conventional methods and some of the unique challenges and benefits they can expect to face. The program will wrap up with an Organic vendors show and organic wine tasting.

The public is welcome to attend with advanced paid reservations the seminar on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $50, which includes lunch and wine. Please email the Lake County Winegrape Commission at info@lakecountywinegrape.org.