Providing aspiring winemakers throughout New York with basic training in winemaking techniques

2007 Impact statement
  • Martinson, Timothy E.

abstract

The Cornell Enology and Viticulture programs developed a three-session, eight-hour course entitled `Basics of Winemaking`, and delivered it at 10 locations to 50 aspiring winemakers throughout New York. A hands-on followup workshop at Geneva entitled `Basics of Must and Wine Analysis` provided instruction to 16 of the participants. Kathleen Arnink, Enology Instructor, and Ben Gavitt, Extension Associate in Food Science and Technology, provided instruction. The short course, originating in Cornell Information Technology`s studio at Ithaca, was broadcast by polycom to Cornell Cooperative Extension offices in Erie, Chatauqua, Geneva, Essex, Jefferson, Dutchess, Columbia, and Suffolk Counties.

submitted by

issue being addressed

There is an increasing interest throughout New York in growing grapes and starting wineries. Over 100 wineries have been started in the past 10 years. Often the newcomers who are starting this business lack formal training in winemaking. In addition, existing staff at wineries are looking to broaden and deepen their understanding of the winemaking process. Providing such training to the geographically dispersed audience in New York has been a challenge. Finally, the Cornell Enology Extension program has been in transition, and lacked the personnel to visit different production areas and provide workshops.

response

The Statewide Viticulture Extension program organized and advertised the three-session course (Basics of Winemaking) and the followup hands-on wine analysis workshop (Basics of Must and Wine Analysis) at Geneva, with participation from Area grape extension programs (Finger Lakes, Lake Erie, Hudson Valley, Long Island, and Enology Extension) and County Extension Associations (Chatauqua, Erie, Geneva Exp. Sta., Essex, Jefferson, Dutchess, Columbia, and Suffolk Co). Fifty participants signed up for the polycom-delivered course, with 16 attending the followup Wine Analysis Workshop at Geneva. They gained knowledge of the vinification process and hands-on experience in wine analysis techniques.

impact assessment

Among the students trained were several new winery owners, including students from Niagara County and Brooklyn, NY, and three cellar workers from existing wineries. In addition, five regional grape extension viticulturists were able to attend the sessions and broaden their understanding of winemaking processes. While it`s hard to quantify the dollar amount, I presume that the participants will be able to reduce winemaking flaws, understand the processes they use better, and thereby make better quality, more salable wines.
For statewide viticulture and enology programs, this served as a `proof of concept` pilot program for potentially delivering an entire series of workshops to interested parties across New York in the future.

academic priority area

has geographic focus

funding source description

  • Smith-Lever 3(b) & (c)
  • These programs were partially supported by fees. $150 for `Winemaking Basics` and $200 for `Basics of Wine and Must Analyses`.

collaborators

  • Cornell Information Technologies Production Group
  • CCE Association of Suffolk Co.
  • CCE Association of Dutchess Co, NY
  • CCE Association of Columbia Co
  • CCE Association of Essex Co.
  • CCE Association of Jefferson Co
  • CCE Association of Chatauqua Co.
  • CCE Association of Erie Co.

key personnel

  • Kathleen Arnink
  • Tim Weigle
  • Sue Gwise
  • Alice Wise
  • Anita Deming
  • Hans Walter-Peterson
  • Kevin Iungerman
  • Ben Gavitt
  • Steven Mc Kay

mission focus

From CALS annual faculty reporting. Imported on August 5, 2008