Q&A with Andrew Snyder

Oklahoma’s grape industry seen as being ripe for future growth

Q: What is the mission of the Oklahoma Grape Growers and Wine Makers Association?

Andrew Snyder is president of the Oklahoma Grape Growers and Wine Makers Association and operates Sand Hill Vineyards near Geary.

A: The mission of our organization is to promote the growth of the Oklahoma grape and wine industry through education, marketing and legislative initiatives. We would like to see positive legislation passed that would allow the Oklahoma industry to grow. We would like to see an increase in the responsible consumption of our "Made in Oklahoma,” value added, sustainable products. I also provide our organization with alcohol server training to promote responsible service.

Q: How would you describe the future of wine making in Oklahoma?

A: We are poised to become a state with a wine-making industry that can contribute considerable taxes and employment opportunities for our state’s economy. The continuous improvement in Oklahoma wines will require systematic professional development from the novice to the expert levels. Through the creation of the Oklahoma Viticulture and Enology Center to be located on the campus of Redlands Community College, the state will benefit from the mission of this institution which will allocate funds for the development of programs to enhance the industry through education, marketing, research and economic development. Oklahoma grape growers and winemakers will benefit from advice by national experts in viticulture and enology.

Q: Can Oklahoma grow its industry to the size of adjoining states like Texas and Missouri?

A: I teach in a regional program with the Viticulture Enology Science and Technology (VESTA) program, which is a National Science Foundation-funded partnership between Missouri State University and Redlands Community College. This online coursework is designed specifically for the Mid-America region. Missouri and Texas both benefit from support from their respective agriculture departments. That support has grown their industries to have an economic impact of approximately $1.35 billion dollars to their states’ economies. With funding and education our state can match those numbers.

Q: How have connoisseurs responded to Oklahoma wines?

A: As in any emerging industry we need to prove our wine’s quality and value. Our wines are winning awards at nationally accredited wine competitions. As superintendent of the Oklahoma State Fair wine competition, I personally oversee a contest that awards numerous medals to deserving wineries here in our state. We hope that more restaurants and retail outlets will recognize our achievements and consider carrying our products and supporting our developing industry.