Beginner Grape School

The 2026 Beginner Grape School provides instruction on getting a vineyard established and how to manage the vines. Topics covered include, Cost of establishment and grape markets, Winemaking for grape growers, Site selection and successful vineyard establishment, Grape insect pests and management, Grape diseases and management, Managing non-bearing vines, and Managing bearing vines. The school is geared to those that have recently established a vineyard or those that are interested in starting a vineyard. Instruction will provide you the tips to be successful and provide you a framework of contacts in the industry that can help you as you grow in knowledge with your grapevines. The instructor for the course is Dean Volenberg, Extension Viticulture Leader for the Grape and Wine Institute. Dean brings 19 years of viticulture experience to the classroom to share his knowledge and answer your questions.