Peter Hemstad, internationally renowned University of Minnesota grape breeder will be the featured speaker at the University of Nebraska Viticulture Program’s Fall Workshop to be held at the Downtown Lincoln Holiday Inn on November 20, 2010. This all-day workshop is presented in cooperation with the Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Association and will be preceded by a class on understanding how to evaluate wine on the Friday, November 19th evening, before the workshop.

Peter will make presentations (titles are tentative) entitled, “The University of Minnesota Grape Breeding Program” and “What’s Old, What’s New, What’s Tried and True?”. He will provide us with insights into the historical perspective, the current philosophy and goals of the University of Minnesota grape breeding program. It should be exciting to learn about the process that led to the introduction of ‘Frontenac’, ‘La Crescent’, ‘Frontenac Gris’ and ‘Marquette’ and also to get the inside scoop on what’s “in the pipeline”, that is, what looks promising for possible introduction in the future.

Additional features of this informative workshop will include an up-date on PhD student Issam Qrunfleh’s research on delaying spring bud break and panel discussions featuring Nebraska growers and winemakers discussing their experiences with growing and vinifying the University of Minnesota cultivars. Peter Hemstad will also provide commentary as part of these panel discussions.

Registration will begin at 8:00 a.m. with the program commencing at 9:00 a.m. Refreshment breaks and lunch are included in the registration fee and will afford excellent opportunities to visit vendors and to interact with fellow growers and winery folks. A wine tasting of some of Nebraska’s finest wines will conclude the day’s activities.

Be sure to register soon for this exciting workshop – it’s one you won’t want to miss! Register online at the website below.