Getting Started with a Viticulture Business

Are you curious about what it takes to start a vineyard? Join the New Hampshire Winery Association and UNH Cooperative Extension as we discuss how to take your vineyard from idea to reality. This event will be hosted indoors at the Squamscott Winery tasting room within the lovely 1792 "Dudley Watson Homestead" historic location. Topics covered will include whole farm planning and marketing considerations from the lens of a startup operation. Information provided will be applicable to anyone interested in starting a farm, but will focus on winery and vineyard operations.  There will also be grower discussion on how to avoid common pitfalls when starting a viticulture business. Immediately following the sessions there will be an informal networking and wine tasting. This is a great chance to interact with UNH Extension specialists and experienced viticulturalists! This is a free event, but please register via the link provided or contact Kyle Quigley (kyle.quigley@unh.edu or 603-518-6531) to RSVP.

Agenda:

3pm:                    Welcome and Introductions

Kyle Quigley, UNH Extension field specialist, fruit & vegetable production

Bob Elliot and Bill Meserve, NHWA Board and owners of Blue Heron Wines

3:15pm:              Introduction to whole farm planning

Olivia Saunders, UNH Extension field specialist, fruit & vegetable production

3:45pm:              Don’t sour your grapes! Lessons learned from starting my own vineyard

Ryan Classen, Owner of Alpine Garden Winery

4:15pm:               Marketing your business before you start

Jesse Wright, UNH Extension field specialist, agricultural business management

4:45pm:               Wrap up and adjourn

Kyle Quigley, UNH Extension field specialist, fruit & vegetable production

5pm-6pm:          Optional wine tasting and networking opportunity

This program has been brought to you in part by the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Department of Markets & Food (NHDAMF) specialty crop block grant program

Contact Kyle Quigley with any event questions and to request event access accommodations.  Given ample time, we will make any reasonable effort to make accommodations.