The MGGA heartily supports the concept of wine grower and wine maker continuing education. To that end the MGGA board recommends these educational opportunities for your consideration:

Fundamentals of Wine Chemistry - IOWA - June 7-8, 2011 (9am-5pm)
Clark Smith's popular “Fundamentals of Wine Chemistry" short course at UC Davis has received rave reviews from over 3,000 winemaking professionals over its 25 year run.

Winemaker, founder of the wine technology firm Vinovation, and adjunct Professor at CSU Fresno; Clark writes “The Postmodern Winemaker," a monthly column for Wines and Vines magazine and directs the Best-of­ Appellation panel for AppellationAmerica.com.

Where: 1951 Food Sciences Bldg, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Who: Winemaking professionals at all levels

Requirements: A general knowledge of winemaking basics, but no formal knowledge of chemistry needed!

Cost: $95 per person
Additional registrants from same company $75 per person
The Midwest Grape and Wine Industry Institute is sponsoring the event to make it accessible to all wine professionals in the vicinity. The normal cost of the workshop is $350

Included: 450 page comprehensive handout
Lunch plus morning and afternoon breaks each day

Course Description: This two-day class features sections from Smith's UC Davis short course chosen as the most relevant to Iowa and Midwestern winemaking. The first morning will begin with a review of basic chemistry and a thorough discussion of the nature and importance of pH and TA, followed by an in-depth discussion of S02. Building on this fundamental basis, the course addresses vine balance, ripeness, must treatments, co-pigmentation, acid reduction / double salt, oak alternatives, reduction, tannin structure, microbiology, various uses of oxygen, and an overview of important emerging wine technologies. There will be opportunities to interact personally with Mr. Smith, who will offer opinion and suggestions on your own wines as time permits. Please bring samples for tasting if you wish to participate.

WINE-MAKING CLASSES - U of M

A new series of winemaking classes offering valid and timely research from the University of Minnesota and information from the industry, presented in accessible and enjoyable formats. New and tested resources will be presented to help you make wine that is wonderful to drink. Meet other winemakers and gain insights into the art of making wine from grapes and other fruits grown in this region. Work with University Enologist Katie Cook, who has made wine on four different continents and has an advanced enology degree from the University of Burgundy. Originally from Minnesota, she started working for the University in 2010. Courses are designed to have value for all winemakers, from home enthusiast to seasoned professional.

Understanding Wine Faults (200-07-14-11)
Thursday, July 14, 7-9 p.m.
$70 member/$75 non-member, All Levels, Lecture / Demo, Limit 30, Learning Center

Introduction to Winemaking (200-07-23-11)
Saturday, July 23, 9:30 a.m.-Noon
$90 member/$95 non-member, All Levels, Lecture / Demo, Limit 30, Learning Center

The Chemistry of Wine (200-08-06-11)
Saturday, August 6, 9:30 a.m.-Noon
$90 member/$95 non-member, All Levels, Lecture / Demo, Limit 30, Learning Center

Advanced Winemaking (200-08-20-11)
Saturday, August 20, 9:30 a.m.-Noon
$90 member/$95 non-member, Intermediate-Advanced, Lecture / Demo, Limit 30, Learning Center

Wine Treatments (200-10-15-11)
Saturday, October 15, 9:30 a.m.-Noon
$90 member/$95 non-member, Intermediate-Advanced, Lecture / Demo, Limit 30, Learning Center

MGGA COLD CLIMATE CONFERENCE - Feb 23-25, 2012

Great River Vineyard's - Grape Growing 101 (January)

Upper Midwest Regional Fruit & Vegetable Growers Conference & Trade Show (January)

MGGA Cold Climate Grape and Wine Conference (February)

Iowa Wine Growers Association Annual Convention (March)

Wineries Unlimited - Trade Show and Conference (King of Prussia, PA) (Mar-Apr)

HRC Grape Breeding Project Fall Tour, Chaska, MN (September)

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) - Grape Growing and Wine Making series (Year-round)

The MGGA has a wide variety of publications and media to lend to our members.
There is a $5 fee for processing the request.
Please download the attached Excel spreadsheet for the complete listing and details on requesting a request.

Example:

 
Download Library Spreadsheet
Spreadsheet current as of: 6/14/10

If you have any opportunities that would like added to this page, please let us know by contacting ron.barnes[at]mngrapes.org.