2022 AAGG Conference

2022 CONFERENCE

The Arkansas Association of Grape Growers (AAGG) will host a Conference Thursday, November 10th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery (6461 East Guy Terry Road, Springdale, AR 72764). We have an array of speakers for this conference to give updates on the National Grape Research Alliance, marketing in the grape and wine industry, internships through VESTA, shared-use equipment in vineyards, UA System grape cultivars, and the Arkansas Quality Wine Program.  Whether you are a new or potential grape grower or processor, this is a great opportunity! 

Conference registration is $50 for AAGG members/University of Arkansas employees or students and $100 for nonmembers and includes lunch and wine tasting.  Vendor fee is $200.  

Conference registration includes lunch and the Experience a Taste of Arkansas Quality Wine event from 5:00-7:30 pm. The wine tasting will feature Arkansas Quality Wine (AQW), commercially produced in Arkansas and made from 90% Arkansas-grown grapes. Attendees can sample Arkansas wines and appetizers. Researchers from the UA System will lead a vertical tasting of AQW wines.  The wine tasting is $12/person if you need additional tickets, but tickets must be purchased in advance.  
Click here for Conference Flyer
Click here for Conference Registration Form
Click here for Conference Vendor Application
Click here for Experience a Taste of Arkansas Quality Wine flyer and link for tickets

Pay with a credit card from our website by clicking on the “Online Payments”

Please email rthrelf@uark.edu for more information about AAGG membership or the conference.

Check our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/argrapegrowers/ ) for updates. A tentative schedule is as follows:

2021 CONFERENCE

The Arkansas Association of Grape Growers (AAGG) will host a Conference Thursday, November 4th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Rusty Tractor Vineyards (10 Rusty Tractor Lane, Little Rock, AR 72210). We have an array of speakers for this conference to give updates on GIS for vineyard sites, buying quality grapevines from nurseries, Arkansas Ag update, growing Vinifera, new UA System grape cultivars, and the Arkansas Quality Wine Program.  Whether you are a new or potential grape grower or processor, this is a great opportunity! 

Conference registration is $50 for AAGG members/University of Arkansas employees or students and $100 for nonmembers and includes lunch and wine reception.  Vendor fee is $200.  

Conference registration includes lunch and the Experience a Taste of Arkansas Quality Wine event from 5:00-7:30 pm. The wine tasting will feature Arkansas Quality Wine (AQW), commercially produced in Arkansas and made from 90% Arkansas-grown grapes. Attendees can sample Arkansas wines and appetizers. Researchers from the UA System will lead a vertical tasting of AQW wines.  The wine tasting is $10/person if you need additional tickets, but tickets must be purchased in advance.  
Click here for Conference Flyer
Click here for Conference Registration Form
Click here for Conference Vendor Application
Click here for Experience a Taste of Arkansas Quality Wine flyer and link for tickets

Pay with a credit card from our website by clicking on the “Online Payments”

Please email rthrelf@uark.edu for more information about AAGG membership or the conference.

Check our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/argrapegrowers/ ) for updates. A tentative schedule is as follows:

2020 Virtual CONFERENCE

The Arkansas Association of Grape Growers (AAGG) will host a Virtual Conference Thursday, November 5th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. We have an array of speakers for this workshop to give updates on spotted lanternfly, challenges for new grape growers, growing hybrids, and the Arkansas Quality Wine Program.  Whether you are a new or potential grape grower or processor, this is a great opportunity! 

We will host the conference using Zoom.  The conference will be free for all attendees, but a Zoom link will be provided to members and others interested in AAGG. Please email rthrelf@uark.edu for more information about AAGG membership or the conference.

Check our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/argrapegrowers/ ) for updates. A tentative schedule is as follows:

 Introductions and AAGG Business meeting (15 min)

Potential Impact of Spotted Lanternfly in Southern Region Grape Production – Dr. Aaron Cato, University of Arkansas System Cooperative Extension Service  (15 min)

Grape Production Challenges in Arkansas for New Growers, Riley Mason, Rusty Tractor  Vineyards & Tyler Bulow, Post Vineyards (15 min)

Pruning and Crop Adjustment of Hybrid Grapes, Dr. Cain Hickey, Penn State (15 min)

Introduction of the Arkansas Quality Wine Program, Dr. Renee Threlfall, University of Arkansas Systems Division of Agriculture (15 min)

AAGG Member Forum and Virtual Toasts (10 min)

Pay membership dues with a credit card from our website by clicking on the “Online Payments”

AAGG Events 2019

Annual Conference

The Arkansas Association of Grape Growers (AAGG) will host an annual Conference, Trade Show and Reception in Fayetteville, AR on Friday, November 1st. We have an array of speakers for this workshop to give updates on promoting our grape and wine industries, table and wine grape production, grapevine pest and disease management, liability issues in vineyards, diversifying vineyard operations, and using technology in vineyards.  Whether you are a new or potential grape grower or processor, this is a great opportunity! 

This workshop is funded by the Arkansas Association of Grape Growers. 

Conference registration is $50 for AAGG members/University of Arkansas employees or students and $100 for nonmembers and includes lunch and wine reception.  Vendor fee is $200.  
Click here for Conference Flyer
Click here for Conference Registration Form
Click here for Conference Vendor Application

Pay with a credit card from our website by clicking on the “Online Payments”

AAGG Grapes of Arkansas Workshop

Grapes of Arkansas Workshop September 17, 2019

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture will be hosting a Grapes of Arkansas Workshop and Field Day at the Fruit Research Station (1749 State Highway 818, Clarksville, AR) on Tuesday, September 17, 2019 from 2:00-7:00 pm. This workshop is sponsored by AAGG.

We have an array of speakers for this workshop to give updates that impact table, wine and muscadine grape production in Arkansas.  In addition, we will have a display of muscadine cultivars and selections developed by the muscadine breeding program at this facility, and a tour that will emphasize the Division’s grape breeding program.  Whether you are a new or potential grape grower or processor, this is a great opportunity! 

This workshop is funded by the Arkansas Association of Grape Growers.  Workshop information coming soon!  
Click here for Workshop Flyer
Click here for Workshop Registration Form
 

Pay with a credit card from our website by clicking on the “Online Payments”

Spring Activity

We had a productive meeting in March, as we plan for the 2014 AAGG Conference and Trade Show to be held this fall.  We will post the date as soon as it is confirmed.  

In the meanwhile, preparations in the vineyards are moving forward for the growing season.  The spring foliage is a welcome sight after a challenging winter.  It will be interesting to hear from growers around the state and region how the winter has affected your vineyards.  Early reports are that water conditions are better than last year with ponds finally filling.  

Agri tourism may also benefit with the Ozarks looking alive with dogwoods blooming--peak probably will be within the next two weeks.  Canoes and kayaks are headed to the are whitewater spots, as well.  The spring and summer promise to be busy for all of us!  

Winter Update

The Arkansas Association of Grape Growers' 2013 Conference, Banquet and Trade show was a successful event.  Thank you so much to all the presenters, the staff of VESTA, Arkansas Tech University Ozark, and the AAGG board for producing a quality event.  We enjoyed the strong vendor participation, representing a variety of industries supporting the grape industry.  Thank you to all attendees for your support and suggestions for planning future events to serve grape growers in the state and the region.  

As we write, we are experiencing snow in west and northwest Arkansas, while central Arkansas is recovering from an ice storm.  This 2013-14 winter has been particularly cold, with several episodes of single-digit weather and several winter precipitation events.  I am sure for most, vineyard activities have been more limited than usual, but the precipitation in any form has been welcome.  Our thoughts are with our friends and colleagues in the west who are experiencing drought conditions, knowing they would enjoy some of our precipitation.  

Check back for events and news to get everyone prepared for  the 2014 growing season!

AAGG 2013 Conference, Trade Show, and Banquet

Join us on Friday, November 15 for the Arkansas Association of Grape Growers 2013 Conference, Trade Show, and Banquet which will be held at Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus at 1700 Helberg Lane in the Student Services and Conference Center.  We are excited about the esteemed and dynamic presenters for the conference and the opportunity to network with regional viticulturists and industry researchers and specialists in the grape and enology fields.  See the schedule, register for the conference, and join or renew your membership for 2013 and join us for the AAGG Annual Meeting at 8:30 a.m at the beginning of the conference.  The schedule and registration can be accessed at Brown Paper Tickets http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/472304

Brown Paper Tickets

National and Regional Conferences

There are two events of interest to area viticulturists.  One is the American Society for Enology and Viticulture Conference and Symposium July 15-18, 2013 at the Winston Salem Mariott/Embassy Suites.  The web address for the event is below, and those who want to enter wines for the conference can find requirements for delivery of the wine prior to Thursday, July 11, 2013

www.asev-es.org

The Grape Agstravaganza, presented by VESTA and Redlands Community College, is July 19, 2013 at 11:30 a.m. in El Reno, Oklahoma.  The event begins with lunch and continues with an afternoon of presentations by Dr. Justine Vanden Heuvel from the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University, Captain Roger Chandler, and Dr. William Phillips.  Topics will focus upon the impact of vine spacing, rootstock, and trellis system on productivity of Noiret, and other issues related to current and anticipated regional trends in viticulture.  Pre-registration is required for attendance.  Call 405-422-1289 or e-mail kelsey.graham@redlandscc.edu

2013 Conference Trade Show and Banquet

The Arkansas Association of Grape Growers announces its 2013 Conference, Trade Show and Banquet which will be held Friday, November 15, 2013 on the campus of Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus, Student Services Conference Center, Ozark, Arkansas.  The Banquet following the conference will be at Lawrence Hall, St. Mary's.  We anticipate a program of esteemed viticulturists and experts and will update with specific presenters.  Contact Dr. Anitra Fay ar.assoc.grape.growers@gmail for questions or interest in attending or participating in the trade show.

Wine Tasting Event at Crystal Bridges

Enjoying Wine-- A Tasting Seminar, at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, will be held Saturday, April 20 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.  Seminar Facilitator is Lori Hambuchen, author of Uncorked and owner of The Wine Center.  The seminar will focus upon wine and food pairings, understanding tasting basics, and overview regional wines and new vintages.  Space is limited--$75 per person and $125 per couple.  Contact Veronica Post to register, vpost@atu.edu or 479-508-3370

Sensory Evaluation Workshop

You are invited to attend a Sensory Evaluation Workshop April 13-14, 2013.  The event, sponsored by the VESTA National Center and Arkansas Tech University-Ozark Campus, will be held at The Gathering Place, 1606 Franklin Street, Altus, Arkansas.  Featured presenter is Dr. Renee Threlfall of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.  

Saturday, April 13, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.​ and Sunday, April 14, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Cost:  No cost to VESTA Students enrolled in VIN 266.​

ATU Students--$60 Registration  All Others--$120 Registration

Advance Registration is required.  Reservations will be acknowledged by e-mail.

Contact Veronica Post, VESTA Arkansas Coordinator, vpost@atu.edu

Phone:  (479) 508-3370,  Cell:  (479) 518-1963, Fax:   (479) 667-5588

Pruning, Planning, and Preparing

Travels to area vineyards, in Arkansas and beyond, confirm the occurrence of comforting rituals so prominent in the wintertime grape vineyard.  Winter is the season to prepare for the next growing season.  Although winter provides a respite and can be a time to relax and be off-schedule, there is an always-surprising amount of work to be done.  This year, regional vineyards are paying particular attention to the weather, reviewing their irrigation practices and repairing or improving equipment and water sources, to be prepared in case we are hit with another harsh summer. 

Winter also is the season for many national and regional industry conferences, giving growers an opportunity to meet colleagues, customers, and vendors in preparation for the next growing season.  ​The meetings are often intense and lengthy, with a lot of information to be gleaned; yet, the growers emerge with new information, research results, connections, and ideas to bring back to the vineyard.  Best of all are the new and the renewed relationships, collaborative experiences, and connections that add to the joy of the vineyard and viticulture. 

We appreciate all of the growers and industry partners in Arkansas and those throughout the region who ​share our enthusiasm of grape-growing and the development of the industry and the art.  Thank you for your participation in our ventures and passions!

Inaugural Conference and Trade Show

The Arkansas Association of Grape Growers (AAGG) hosted their Inaugural Conference and Trade Show on Friday, November 2, 2012 at the Ozark Campus of Arkansas Tech University.  VESTA was a major supporter of the event, which was well attended by regional vineyard owners; purchasers of grapes; academicians involved in viticulture, enology, and food sciences; industry vendors; and students.  Workshop topics ranged from weather trends to vineyards canopy management.   The workshop and evening banquet provided opportunities for participants to network, discuss the grape industry, and make plans for the future of AAGG and the regional growth of the grape and muscadine industry and regional agriculture tourism.  Enthusiasm is high for the future of the grape industry in Arkansas.