Free educational opportunity on Growing grapes and Wine Making 101 on May 12, 2016 from 6:30PM with speakers Ron Guzzetta and James Lee at the Cattaraugus County Center.
Grape Growing: Grapes are the most widely adapted to varying soils and climates. Growing grapes in the backyard or garden can be a rewarding experience if done correctly.
If you want to start your own Concord grape vine in the backyard or you have a few bushes that don’t seem to thrive, this workshop is the one for you.
You will learn which grape variety can be grown in Cattaraugus County; the soil and climate needed; how to plant and provide support for the growing vines; disease and insect control and how to prune the vines.
Mr. Ron Guzzetta is a 3rd generation NY grape grower from Perrysburg will present Home Growing your own grapes. He is a Vineyard Manager and has worked for wineries in the Finger Lakes and Chautauqua County. He currently manages just over 550 acres of grapes in WNY for Thompson Ag. Mr. Guzzetta will provide you with some valuable information on “home” growing grapes for your own use.
Winemaking: Winemaking can be a fun hobby; you can make awesome tasting, commercial quality wine at a fraction of the cost of store-bought; and wine (especially reds) are a health benefit (in moderation) - you are in control of the process and the ingredients. If you would like to learn how to make your own wine or to improve your winemaking process you will enjoy this session.
The first steps in wine making are getting the equipment and the selection of wine juice you will be using. There are many different juices available on the market or you may use your own berries or grapes. You will learn about the equipment and supplies needed. Mr. Lee will discuss the terms used in wine making, the fermentation process, the additives needed, how to sweeten your wine and the bottling process.
James Lee, owner of Lee’s Wine and Beer has been in business for over 20 years. He will be discussing the equipment and supplies needed to make your homemade wines; whether you use a wine kit, purchase your own juices or use your home grown berries or grapes. Mr. Lee has been making his own wine and assisting others for many years.
Brought to you by Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning & Tourism. RSVP to Kate O’Stricker by phone at 716-938-2320 or by email at kmostricker [at] cattco.org. Walk-ins welcome!
