Craig W. Barrett, Hughesville, REALTOR®
Hughesville, MD Real Estate
http://www.hughesvillehomes.com/
If you are considering planting a vineyard, or you have just recently done so, you will benefit from the information provided in this educational one-day workshop. This seminar is a good overview of what is involved with getting a commercial vineyard started in Maryland, and is part one of a two-part series.
“There has been tremendous interest in the wine grape production throughout the Southern Maryland region. In fact, many growers have or are considering establishing vineyards”, said Ben Beale, of Maryland Cooperative Extension, the organization responsible for coordinating the workshop. “However, successfully establishing a grape vineyard requires keen management and attention to details. New growers should attend to learn the specifics of vineyard establishment, variety selection and economics."
The cost of the workshop is typically $135 but has been reduced to $25 for Maryland residents thanks to subsidies from the Maryland Wine Association / Maryland Grape Growers Association via the Governor’s Commission on Grapes and Wine. To take advantage of this reduced rate, registration must be received by February 6, 2008. Registration after this date or at the door will be $160, if space allows.
“In the spring of 2006, we launched a new grant program for farmers in Southern Maryland to encourage the budding wine industry, and we are pleased we were able to offer this grant opportunity again. We have had applicants from four of the five Southern Maryland counties, and as a result, expect to see an additional 27 new acres added to Maryland’s grape industry within the two years of our program.” Said Christine Bergmark, executive director of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission. “This workshop is critical to the success of our program and we are delighted that the Maryland Grape Growers Association is helping to sponsor the event.”
Presented in a classroom format, the workshop will cover a broad overview of commercial vineyard development from pre-plant planning into the third year including economics and marketing information, and variety, clone, and rootstock choices, site selection and preparation, pre-plant decisions, equipment and supply requirements. The basics of ordering, planting, and tending the vines through the third year of growth, as well as best practices for training, canopy management, and pest management.
The workshop will take place at the SMECO Auditorium in Hughesville, from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. To register or for more information, contact Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Extension Office; phone: 301 475 4484, bbeale@umd.edu or Joe Fiola: phone: 301-432-2767 ext. 344, jfiola@umd.edu. Registration forms and directions can also be found at the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission website: www.somarylandsogood.com.
Post a comment
Temporarily disabled — coming soon!
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2008 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
This looks like an interesting workshop and the timing couldn't be better. With Hughesville at a cross-roads for economic recovery from the fall of the Tobacco industry, wine production may be an answer to the agricultural lifestyle and cultural that surrounds the area.
I would think commercial wine production in the Hughesville area would also blend well with the open space conservancy culture of Hughesville and Southern Maryland. This area has been a fierce supporter of sound economic development that promotes the continued agrarian quality of life. Peripheral development such as wineries would probably blend well with the Hughesville Revitalization Plan and the desires of the local residents.
I agree with Pauleen Brewer when she asked,
Well, it probably could and it wouldn't be the first winery in the area...
There are already several wineries in Southern Maryland, which is referred to as the Southern Shore Plain Region, by Maryland Wine. The first winery to license and bond in the region was Cove Point Winery. Located 6 miles north of Solomons Island and just a short distance from Cove Point Lighthouse, Maryland's oldest operational lighthouse.
While the production of wine grapes in Hughesville may be several growing seasons away, it seems a better future for the Hughesville area than rezoning an Agricultural Conservative parcel for a Heavy Industrial gravel operation.
What a fantastic workshop Craig. My mom would be in heaven with this. She is a wine lover. The pictures here are beautiful indeed and they appear so real, it's like being at a wine tasting event.
Wow, that looks really awesome. I was surprised to learn about all of the vineyards around me. I wish they would provide a workshop like this - maybe I will show them the article! Thanks, Craig!
Julie - I do hope grape growing takes ahold here, I think it'll be a smart economic boost. Thanks for stopping by.
Leesa - Share the artile with them. I included links of the Maryland Cooperative Extension, the group responsible for coordinating the event. Maybe they can help. Thanks for stopping by.