Oklahoma winemakers council forms, plans first meeting

A group of grape growers and winemakers has formed a new nonprofit organization to support their industry.

The Oklahoma Grape Industry Council plans its first organizational meeting at 10:30 a.m. March 29 at the Noble Public Library's community room.

The group's purpose is to promote the appreciation and production of premium grapes and fine wines from Oklahoma, said Gene Clifton, owner of Canadian River Vineyards and Winery in Slaughterville and the group's interim president. They want to work with Oklahoma State University to expand its viticulture program and encourage legislators to view the winemaking as a viable industry.

About half of the state's 40 wineries and most of the vineyards have joined.

Members of the council attended the ABLE Commission meeting Friday to voice opposition to Senate Bill 659.

The bill would have made winery owners responsible for employees who serve minors, restricted sample sizes at festivals and trade shows to one ounce, required the use of Oklahoma-grown grapes and ordered wineries to be closed on Sundays.

“It's like ABLE wants to shoehorn the Oklahoma wine industry into legislation for Oklahoma bars and liquor stores, of which we are neither,” said vineyard owner Jill Stichler.

She said the Oklahoma Grape Industry Council is an alternative to the Oklahoma Grape Growers and Wine Makers Association, which supports the bill.