Progress 04/01/05 to 03/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The most significant outputs included the design, planting, and maintenance of a 0.5 ha research and demonstration cold-hardy wine grape vineyard at the University of Massachusetts Cold Spring Orchard Research and Education Center (CSOREC), which had it's first harvest in Fall 2007; the design, construction, and operation of a juice and wine-making facility at CSOREC; the planting and evaluation of 7 additional grape clones in 2008; the establishment of 3 demonstration table grape vineyards at cooperator sites in MA, the development of a GIS-based site assessment tool (ArcInfo) and associated manual to evaluate potential vineyard sites in MA, the development of an wine grape grower advisory board and the establishment of the Massachusetts Farm Winery and Grower's Association (http://masswinery.com/); the delivery of regular seasonal pest scouting, weather information, and disease and insect management training to growers; participation in and sponsorship of an email newsletter, 'New England Grape Notes' and a website, www.newenglandwinegrapes.org; and delivery of workshops, grower meetings, educational sessions. Most years, national viticulture and enology experts were brought to MA to work with MA grape growers and project scientists. For details see annual reports. PARTICIPANTS: Daniel R. Cooley, PhD. - (PI) Dr. Cooley oversaw and participated in project activities, presented talks at grower meetings, coordinated work on the site evaluation model and facilitated integration of graduate students (2) into the project. Sonia Schloemann, MS. - Ms. Schloemann coordinated field activities (vineyard management and harvest), outreach activities (mentoring grower demonstration blocks, meetings, newsletters, guides and manuals, and updating the website), winery activities (facility establishment and set-up, fermentation cycles), and served as liaison with the Massachusetts Farm Winery and Growers Association. Duane Greene, PhD. - Dr. Greene supervised field and winery activities providing guidance in establishing protocols for enology research and development, as well as vineyard management practices. Jon Clements, MS. - Mr. Clements assisted the project in gathering weather data and disease model information. Frank Caruso, PhD. - Dr. Caruso assisted the project in grower support and diagnostics and provided information useful for newsletters and fact sheets. Hilary Sandler, PhD. - Dr. Sandler assisted the project in grower support and diagnostics and provided information useful for newsletters and fact sheets. Arthur Tuttle, MS. - Mr. Tuttle was involved in coordinating winery activities, carrying out field activities (vineyard management) and supervising student labor. Miller, Robert (undergraduate). - Mr. Miller worked extensively on the development of the GIS-based ArcInfo vineyard site assessment model for Massachusetts. Miller, Barbara (NRCS) - Ms. Miller assisted in the development of the GIS-based ArcInfo site assessment model. The project collaborated extensively with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) through their Agricultural Innovations Center grant program, which co-funded the establishment of the research/demonstration winery facility. The project collaborated with the Massachusetts Fruit Growers Association (MFGA) in funding and developing all aspects of vineyard and winery operations at the UMass Cold Spring Orchard and presenting educational programming. The project collaborated with the Massachusetts Farm Winery and Growers Association (http://masswinery.com), as well, in sponsoring on-farm twilight meetings for vineyard growers. This project offered training opportunities for: undergraduate students in PLNTSOIL 305 - Small Fruit Production; graduate students by providing a site for field research; new entry vineyard growers with basic entry level information, guidance and hands-on experience; experienced vineyard growers with higher level research based information; homeowners and hobbyists with hands-on workshops. TARGET AUDIENCES: This project served multiple audiences in Massachusetts and surrounding states including established vineyard/winery operators, new or prospective vineyard/winery operators, farm operators considering expansion into a new crop, students (undergraduate and graduate), small scale and hobbyist vineyard/winery growers, University faculty and Extension professionals who together comprise the community of interest. These audiences were reached by multiple vehicles including workshops, twilight meetings, conference presentations, newsletters, individual consultations, University class and laboratory sessions, and a website. The demographic distribution of the community of interest is approximately 67% male and 33% female, 72% age 18-55 and 28% age 55 and over, 87% Caucasian, 2% African American, 4% Asian and 7% Hispanic. Participation by individuals with disability was 2%. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
During the course of the project, the number of bonded MA wineries increased from 22 (with sales of 6.5 million dollars) to 36 (sales over 10 million), with additional operations growing grapes but not producing wine. By the end of the project, 68% of the wineries were members of the new Massachusetts Farm Winery and Grower's Association. Additional project activities which greatly impacted growers and interested parties here and in neighboring states through changes in knowledge and changes in actions included: 3-5 grower meetings/year to deliver current information on sustainable practices (~130 attendees/year); educational sessions at regional conferences (~120 attendees/conference); a seasonal email newsletter, New England Grape Notes (16 issues/yr) with a circulation of 149; and a website, www.newenglandwinegrapes.org. Repeatedly, over 80% of the recipients of these learning tools rated the experiences as very useful, staing they learned one or more things that they would implement at their farms. This project has contributed directly to increasing the knowledge and capacity at UMass in the disciplines of viticulture and enology. By establishing and managing demonstration vineyards and a fermentation facility, practical knowledge was gained on variety performance, training systems, trellising systems, insect, disease and weed management, canopy management, harvest parameters and procedures, winemaking facility design, equipment, product flow, and fermentation techniques. Two faculty and two professional staff have significantly increased their knowledge in viticulture (especially cold climate), and have established UMass as the leading institution in New England for delivering this information to growers. These same individuals are now developing a curriculum for a Viticulture/Enology concentration for an Associate's Degree to be awarded through the UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Using the GIS vineyard site suitability tool, new entry vineyardists are able to evaluate prospective sites with confidence and make informed decisions about vineyard establishment. By facilitating the establishment of the Massachusetts Farm Wineries and Growers Association, this project has helped to support established and prospective vineyard/winery operations. UMass is now well positioned to serve this emerging community of interest.
Publications
- Schloemann, S. G., 2009. New England Grape Notes. Semi-weekly. Provides technical information and observations from network of sources. Via e-mail and posted on New England Wine Grape Growers website www.newenglandwinegrapes.org.
- Schloemann, S. G., 2009. New England Winegrape Growers Resource Center website. www.newenglandwinegrapes.org.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This project completed construction of fermentation facilities at the UMass Cold Spring Orchard Research and Education Center (CSOREC) in Belchertown MA, maintained and conducted a successful harvest from the 0.5 ha demonstration wine vineyard at CSOREC, initiated fermentation cycles for 6 initial wine styles for evaluation, completed the first year of the new Massachusetts Farm Winery and Grower's Association (http://masswinery.com/), continued work on the GIS-based site assessment tool (ArcInfo) and associated manual to evaluate potential vineyard sites in the state, and assisted 3 cooperating growers with demonstration table grape vineyards planted in 2007 (Clarkdale Orchard, Apex Orchard, and Clark Bros. Orchard). This project held 4 on-site Cold Climate Viticulture workshops at the UMass CSOREC with a total of 147 participants and contributed substantially to information delivered at 6 additional educational meetings with a total of 290 participants. Twelve on-site consultations with current or prospective viticulturists about vineyard establishment/management were held as were numerous phone/email consultations about cold climate viticulture. This project contributed substantially to student exposure to cold climate viticulture via PLNTSOIL 305 Small Fruit Production (25 undergraduates), 2 graduate students thesis projects on grape disease management and employment of 3 undergraduate students in all aspects of vineyard management. This project has contributed directly to the University's capacity to produce educational/outreach materials for current and prospective vineyardists in the form of 1) a seasonal e-newsletter 'New England Grape Notes' (11 issues, 195 subscribers) with scouting and weather data, and disease forecast models, 2) website content at www.newenglandwinegrapes.org (5,246 hits), and 3) a vineyard suitability assessment tool. Knowledge and information gained from this project was disseminated through meetings (e.g., on-farm twilight meetings, hands-on workshops, undergraduate labs, conference presentations), electronically distributed newsletters, and publications such as the New England Small Fruit Pest Management Guide (Grape chapter), and the Massachusetts Small Fruit Best Management Practices Manual (Grape Chapter). Three additional grant funded projects were initiated this year to advance work started with this project; "Demonstration Small Scale Winery and Cider Production Facility for UMass CSOREC, Mass Dept. of Ag. Resources Ag Innovations Center; "Multi-State Evaluation of Winegrape Cultivars and Clones" - NE1020, USDA CSREES; "Combining a Disease and Weather Monitoring Network with Measurements of Inoculum Potential for Disease Forecasting in Vineyard IPM for Southern New England", NE-IPM. PARTICIPANTS: Daniel R. Cooley, PhD. - (PI) Dr. Cooley oversaw and participated in project activities, presented talks at grower meetings, coordinated work on the site evaluation model and facilitated integration of graduate students (2) into the project. Sonia Schloemann, MS. - Ms. Schloemann coordinated field activities (all aspects of vineyard management and harvest), outreach activities (mentoring grower demonstration blocks, meetings, newsletters, guides and manuals, and updating the website), winery activities (facility establishment and set-up, fermentation cycles), and served as liaison with the Massachusetts Farm Winery and Growers Association. Duane Greene, PhD. - Dr. Greene supervised field and winery activities providing valuable guidance in establishing protocols for enology research and development, as well as vineyard management practices. Jon Clements, MS. - Mr. Clements assisted the project in gathering weather data and disease model information. Frank Caruso, PhD. - Dr. Caruso assisted the project in grower support and diagnostics and provided information useful for newsletters and fact sheets. Hilary Sandler, PhD. - Dr. Sandler assisted the project in grower support and diagnostics and provided information useful for newsletters and fact sheets. Arthur Tuttle, MS. - Mr. Tuttle was involved in coordinating winery activities, carrying out field activities (vineyard management) and supervising student labor. Miller, Robert (undergraduate). - Mr. Miller worked extensively on the development of the GIS-based ArcInfo vineyard site assessment model for Massachusetts. Miller, Barbara (NRCS) - Ms. Miller assisted in the development of the GIS-based ArcInfo vineyard site assessment model for Massachusetts. The project collaborated extensively with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) through their Agricultural Innovations Center grant program, which co-funded the establishment of the research/demonstration winery facility. The project also collaborated with the Massachusetts Fruit Growers Association (MFGA) in funding and developing all aspects of vineyard and winery operations at the UMass Cold Spring Orchard and presenting educational programming. The project collaborated with the Massachusetts Farm Winery and Growers Association (http://masswinery.com), as well, in sponsoring two on-farm twilight meetings for vineyard growers. This project offered training opportunities for: undergraduate students in PLNTSOIL 305 - Small Fruit Production; graduate students by providing a site for field research; new entry vineyard growers with basic entry level information, guidance and hands-on experience; experienced vineyard growers with higher level research based information; homeowners and hobbyists with hands-on workshops. TARGET AUDIENCES: This project served multiple audiences in Massachusetts and surrounding states including established vineyard/winery operators, new or prospective vineyard/winery operators, farm operators considering expansion into a new crop, students (undergraduate and graduate), small scale and hobbyist vineyard/winery growers, University faculty and Extension professionals who together comprise the community of interest. These audiences were reached by multiple vehicles including workshops, twilight meetings, conference presentations, newsletters, individual consultations, University class and laboratory sessions, and a website. The demographic distribution of the community of interest is approximately 67% male and 33% female, 72% age 18-55 and 28% age 55 and over, 87% Caucasian, 2% African American, 4% Asian and 7% Hispanic. Participation by individuals with disability was 2%. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
This project has contributed directly to increasing the knowledge and capacity at UMass in the disciplines of viticulture and enology. By establishing and managing demonstration vineyards and a fermentation facility, practical knowledge was gained on variety performance, training systems, trellising systems, insect, disease and weed management, canopy management, harvest parameters and procedures, winemaking facility design, equipment, product flow, fermentation techniques, etc. Additionally, the development of a vineyard site assessment tool and associated manual helps determine the suitability of prospective sites. Two faculty and two professional staff have significantly increased their knowledge in viticulture, especially cold climate viticulture, and have established UMass as the leading institution in New England for delivering this information to growers. These same individuals are now developing a curriculum for a Viticulture/Enology concentration for an Associate's Degree to be awarded through the UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture. Grower workshops and demonstrations have increased knowledge in the community of interest about good viticultural practices suited for the New England climate. Likewise newsletters and publications have increased the knowledge base in the community of practice for good vineyard management. By developing a vineyard site suitability tool, new entry vineyardists are able to evaluate prospective sites with confidence and make informed decisions about vineyard establishment. By facilitating the establishment of the Massachusetts Farm Wineries and Growers Association, this project has helped to support established and prospective vineyard/winery operations. Indirectly, this project has contributed to a change in conditions in as much as the number of vineyard/winery operations in Massachusetts has nearly doubled to 29 from 15 in less than 10 years (1998-2007) according to the most recent MDAR survey. There are an additional 6-8 vineyard/winery establishments in development, but not yet bonded and licensed. A similar trend is seen in New England, generally. Through this and other project, UMass is well positioned to serve this emerging community of interest.
Publications
- Schloemann, S. G. 2008. New England Grape Notes. Semi-weekly. Provides technical information and observations from network of sources. Via e-mail and posted on New England Wine Grape Growers website www.newenglandwinegrapes.org.
- Miller, R., B. Miller and D. Cooley. 2007. Vineyard Site Selection in Massachusetts - A GIS Model. Manual with associate ArcInfo software. University of Massachusetts Center for Agriculture and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
- Schloemann, S. G., 2008. New England Winegrape Growers Resource Center website. www.newenglandwinegrapes.org.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Primary tasks in 2007 were the care of a wine grape planting at the University of Massachusetts Cold Spring Orchard (CSO), the development of a wine making facility, the updating of the GIS study to identify potential vineyard sites in the state, and the establishment of a farm winery growers' association to advocate for the industry. In addition, vineyards in Massachusetts and southern New England were scouted regularly to identify pest problems and to implement IPM strategies. Two grape grower education meetings were held. The project assisted three growers in the planting and training of new plantings. The 0.5 ha vineyard at CSO was trained to a trellis, pruned, irrigated, weeded, and maintained. Fruit thinning, leaf-pulling and harvesting were also performed in the 2 cultivars. Some grapes were sold to local "hobbiest" winemakers. The rest, roughly 2 tons, were de-stemmed and crushed at CSO. Batches of red and white wine were started. Experimental variables were
type of yeast used and length of time the grapes were left with the skins. Sugar content, specific gravity, and acidity were measured. The remainder of the juice was filtered, UV-processed, and sold at the CSO store. About half of this activity occurred after Sept. 30. A wine-making facility was started at CSO. Tasks included demolition of an obsolete facility, construction of a fermentation room, improvements to a 23 X 23 ft. room, and purchase of equipment and supplies to make wine and juice. A prototype model for analyzing potential vineyard sites in Massachusetts using GIS was updated, and applied to additional regions of the state. The Massachusetts Farm Winery and Growers' Association was formed and met often. Alliances were strengthened with the MA cranberry growers' association and with grape growers in CT. Weekly scouting of 5 blocks of grapes in commercial vineyards by UMASS researchers was accompanied by consultation with growers. This information, weather data, and disease
risk information was published weekly by email as 'New England Grape Notes'. Volume 2 had 15 issues and 149 subscribers. The newsletter also provided educational materials, news, and links to valuable resources. Project members are developing a website, newenglandwinegrapes.org, which will be linked to the seasonal weekly newsletter and is designed to enhance communication between growers and researchers. Project members worked with 3 fruit growers to start plantings. Sites were selected, cultivars were chosen and planted, and training systems were installed. The project co-sponsored 2 wine grape growers meetings. Topics included "Late Season Viticulture Review" and "Grape Bud Necrosis". Aprox. 35 attended each. Investigators established research plans with the University of Connecticut and the broader regional project, NE 1020. Based on this, they ordered 7 grape clones to be planted in 2008 and to be evaluated in conjunction with other NE 1020 cooperators. These clones will be
planted at CSO.
Impacts
Massachusetts presently has 35 vineyards and 29 wineries generating over $6.5 million in sales, and all indications are that this is increasing rapidly. In Massachusetts, wine making serves as both an end in itself and a large contributor to agri-tourism. We expect project activities to greatly impact the management activities of these businesses and their cohorts in other New England states. The 15 issues of the project newsletter reached 149 people. This project cosponsored 2 vineyard meetings to deliver current information on sustainable practices to local wine grape growers (total attendance 70). Over 80% of attendees rated the meetings as very useful and said they learned one or more things at the meetings that they would implement at their farms. This project cooperates with a SARE project documenting present production practices for New England wine grape growers by collecting detailed information from 70% of total commercial wine grape growers. This data
provides clear direction for impact potential for the project and will allow documentation of change. As part of establishing a MA Farm Winery & Growers Association, this project is cooperating to develop a New England Wine Grape Growers Association including113 vineyards and wineries.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Primary tasks in 2006 were the care of a new grape planting at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Cold Spring Orchard (CSO), completion of the GIS study to identify potential vineyard sites in the state, and the development an advisory board/Wine Council to advocate for the industry. In addition, vineyards in Massachusetts and southern New England were scouted regularly to identify pest problems and to implement sound IPM strategies. Grower education meetings were also held. The 0.5 ha vineyard at CSO was trained to a trellis, pruned, irrigated, and weeded. Grass alleys were established between rows. 2007 will be the first fruiting year. A prototype model for analyzing potential vineyard sites in Massachusetts using GIS was developed, and applied to most regions of the state. An advisory group of growers from Massachusetts and other southern New England states met to review the project and to discuss the development of a Massachusetts Wine Council. Alliances were
formed with the MA cranberry growers' association and with grape growers and wine-makers in Connecticut. Weekly scouting of 9 blocks of 'Chardonnay' grapes in commercial vineyards by UMASS researchers was accompanied by consulation with growers. Information from this along with weather data and weather-based disease risk information (using 4 Spectrum weather stations) was published weekly by email as 'New England Grape Notes'. Volume 1 had 16 issues and 145 subscribers. The newsletter also provided educational materials and news pertinent to IPM and sustainable grape growing. Project members are helping to develop a website, newenglandwinegrapes.org, which will be linked to the seasonal weekly newsletter and is designed to enhance communication between growers and researchers in the region. A small-scale wine making facility is being planned at CSO. Space needs are being determined and an appropriate space with temperature control has been identified. Equipment is being priced for
purchase in winter 2007. A group of growers interested in planting grapes was identified. Project co-investigators are working with them to help identify best sites, cultivars, and training systems. An intensive workshop was conducted on November 2, 2006 to introduce 55 new and prospective wine grape growers to best methods for establishing a new vineyard. The project provided 2 educational sessions at the December 2005 New England Fruit and Vegetable Conference as well as 4 wine grape growers meetings with invited speakers in southern New England during 2006. Topics included 'Ripe rot management', 'Use of reflective mulches for wine grapes', 'Grape canopy management', 'Veraison disease management', and 'Spray technology for grapes'. Members from the team have established research plans with the University of Connecticut and the broader regional project, NE 1020. Based on this, we have ordered 7 grape clones to be planted in 2008 and evaluated in conjunction with other NE 1020
cooperators. These clones will be planted at CSO.
Impacts
Massachusetts presently has 35 vineyards and 29 wineries generating over $6.5 million in sales, and all indications are that this is increasing rapidly. In Massachusetts, wine making serves as both an end in itself and also as a large contributor to agri-tourism. We expect project activities to greatly impact the management activities of these businesses and their cohorts in other New England states. The 16 issues of the project newsletter reached 145 people. This project held 2 educational sessions at the December 2005 New England Fruit and Vegetable Conference (120 in attendance) and 4 vineyard meetings to deliver current information on sustainable practices to local wine grape growers (total attendance 118). Over 80% of attendees rated the meetings as very useful and said they learned one or more things at the meetings that they would implement at their farms. This project cooperates with a SARE project documenting present production practices for New England wine
grape growers by collecting detailed information from 77% of total commercial wine grape growers. This data provides clear direction for impact potential for the project and will allow documentation of change. As part of establishing a MA Wine Council, this project is cooperating to develop a New England Wine Grape Growers Association including113 vineyards and wineries.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
The primary tasks in 2005 were the establishment of a grape planting at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Cold Spring Orchard (CSO), initiation of the GIS study to identify potential vineyard sites in the state, and developing an advisory board with the goal of establishing a Wine Council to advocate for the industry. In addition, vineyards in Massachusetts, and the rest of New England were surveyed for pest problems, and grower education meetings were held. Our original approach was revised to eliminate planting Vinifera clones at CSO as they probably would not survive minimum winter temperatures at the site. Rather, a 0.5 ha vineyard of two hybrids, Frotenac and Chardonnel, was planted, trellised and trickle irrigation installed. A prototype model for analyzing potential vineyard sites in Massachusetts using GIS was developed, and applied to the Ipswich River Watershed. The model was modified and is being applied to other regions of the state. Electronic
weather measurement was purchased to verify GIS estimations (Spectrum Technologies). An advisory group of growers from Massachusetts and other southern New England states met twice at Wareham to review issues related to pest management discuss priorities for the industry. Members of the project from UMass also met with and advised an ad hoc group lobbying for improved farm winery legislation in Massachusetts. Sessions designed to bring in experts from PA and NY to educate members of the team and growers were held at three locations during the year. In addition, the project cooperated in producing a website to provide information and enhance communication between growers and researchers in the region. Members from the team have established research plans with the University of Vermont and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, as well as the broader regional project, NE 1020. Based on this, we have ordered 8 grape clones to be planted in 2007 and evaluated in conjunction with
other NE 1020 cooperators. These clones will be planted at CSO and at the Cranberry Experiment Station in Wareham, MA.
Impacts
Massachusetts presently has 22 wineries generating over $6.5 million in sales, and all indications are that this is increasing rapidly. In Massachusetts, wine making serves as both an end in itself and also as a large contributor to agritourism. This project has held 3 vineyard meetings to deliver current information on sustainable practices to local wine grape growers (total attendance 134). An average of 86% of attendees rated the meetings as very useful and 88.5% said they learned one or more things at the meetings that they would implement at their farms. This project cooperated with a SARE project documenting present production practices for New England wine grape growers by collecting detailed information from 77% of total commercial wine grape growers. This data provides clear direction for impact potential for the project and will allow documentation of change. As part of establishing a MA Wine Council, this project cooperated to develop a New England Wine
Grape Growers Association including113 vineyards and wineries. The new website received 1,129 hits. The most popular sections of the website are In Season Field Info, Vineyard Management, and Vineyard Scouting, respectively.
Publications
- Cooley, D.R., W. Coli, S. Schloemann, J. Vanden Heuvel, D. Greene, W. Autio, J. Clements, A. Averill, C. Hollingsworth, F. Caruso, H. Sandler and J. Weiss. New wine grape project at the UMass Cold Spring Orchard Research and Education Center. Annual Report of the UMass Cold Spring Orchard Research & Education Center. 2005, 78.
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