Wine professionals gather in Osage Beach for conference

Wine industry professionals from throughout the Midwest will meet today through Saturday in Osage Beach for the 2009 Midwest Grape and Wine Conference, according to the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

The 24th annual gathering of wine professionals, grape growers and Missouri wine fans features informational seminars on viticulture, enology and marketing, an expanded trade show and a sumptuous Grand Banquet finale.

The conference at Tan-Tar-A Resort will include talks by wine experts from Australia, California, Oregon, Texas, Washington, New York and Missouri. Concurrent sessions in the areas of viticulture, enology and marketing are focused on the sustainability of vineyard and winery practices. The sessions will highlight how businesses can operate as efficiently and economically as possible - especially in these trying economic times.

This year’s trade show will feature exhibitors from across the U.S. specializing in all areas of the wine industry.

Registration information and forms are available online at www.midwestgrapeandwineconference.com or by calling Rozanna Benz at (573) 486-5596.