Napa Valley Grapegrowers Announce Organic Winegrowing Conference Dates

NAPA, Calif., June 3, 2009 -- The intricacies of organic winegrowing will be demystified at the Napa Valley Grapegrowers' two-day Organic Winegrowing Conference, on Wednesday, July 22 and Thursday, July 23 at Frog's Leap Vineyards in Rutherford. The only event of its kind in the industry, the Organic Winegrowing Conference offers growers from across the globe first-hand insight and networking opportunities that promise to aid in both an increase in wine quality and the promotion of sustainable practices.

Many of the most respected voices in the industry, representing organizations such as the Organic Farming Research Foundation, CCOF and UC Davis, will join forces with names synonymous with pioneering efforts in organic winegrowing like Araujo Estate, Frog's Leap, and Rubicon Estate to provide comprehensive insight and support on the details of organic farming. Seminars and grower panels will cover a range of topics from getting started with organic certification, to planting and maintaining cover crops, to effective composting techniques that increase soil health, and organic pest and mildew control.

In addition to the wealth of informational seminars and networking opportunities available, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers' Organic Winegrowing Conference boasts an equipment demonstration geared exclusively toward organic and minimal impact farming. Specialized tractors and weed removal equipment will be displayed alongside more traditional approaches such as farming with horses, the practice of dry farming, and the employment of various animals in the vineyards instead of chemicals to control weeds and pests, and assist with pollination.

"Frog's Leap is honored to partner with the Napa Valley Grapegrowers in hosting this important event," says Frog's Leap founder John Williams. "In the spirit of cooperation towards a more sustainable future, we view the Organic Winegrowing Conference as the conduit through which grapegrowers of all stripes can learn from each other the most effective approaches to making our vineyards thrive with minimal impact on the planet."

Admission to the Napa Valley Grapegrowers' Organic Winegrowing Conference is $150 for NVG members and $250 for General Admission. A wine reception featuring premier Napa Valley organically-driven wine producers will be held on Wednesday evening and lunch is provided Thursday. Registration and payment is due no later than Friday, July 17, 2009. The registration form can be downloaded at www.napagrowers.org and mailed, telephoned or faxed in with payment. The NVG office can be contacted at (707) 944-8311. This event has sold out the last three years so make your reservations early!

The Napa Valley Grapegrowers has played a vital role in strengthening Napa Valley's reputation as a world-class wine-growing region for over 34 years. Our mission is to preserve Napa Valley's grapegrowing heritage, strengthen the wine industry's economic viability, promote environmentally and socially sustainable agriculture, and communicate the quality and character of Napa Valley vineyards. NVG represents over 500 Napa County grapegrowers and associated businesses.