This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
News
Dr Richard Smart hosts a weekend of viticulture
Vineyard specialist Dr Richard Smart is hosting a “Weekend of Viticulture” in Bristol this weekend.
The weekend, which starts at 10am on Saturday, will look at a range of viticulture topics including, “Vineyard factors affecting wine quality”, “How to grow an icon wine” and “Vineyard management practices in perspective”.
Attendees will also visit the nearby Luke Ford Vineyard for a wine tasting and dinner. On Sunday attendees will also be able to put their questions to Dr Smart.
In a statement Dr Smart said: “There has been a good initial response to our first announcement and so we have decided to go ahead with the course, as we can anticipate more than the 25 minimum.
“We have been surprised at the extent of interest especially from Europe mainland, and even one from Australia. We anticipate a fun crowd and people will have the opportunity to make new friends in wine.
“I try to make my lectures fun and interactive, so be prepared.”
Anyone wishing to attend the weekend, which takes place at Aldwick Court Farm and Vineyard in Redhill, Bristol, should register for a place by emailing registration@aldwickcourtfarm.co.uk or phoning Rob Lewis +44 (0)1934 864 404.
Dear Dr. Smart;
I am a grape grower from Calif growing wine grapes in greenhouse in Anchorage , Alaska. I would like to start a winery up here as we are the only state that does not have one as its too cool in the summer to ripen grapes outside. I have two growing location , one with sandy loam soil and the other is a gravel like clay soil. My vines are rather vigorous due to the soils high fertility. The greenhouse were used to grow bedding plants on benches and the nutrient solutions leached into the soil over many years so I use only clear water for irrigation. Some vines will be in their 4th year this spring. Iam growing Chardonnay, pinot noir, cab. sauv. riesling, sauv blanc, cab franc, and Zinfandel. All to determine what will do best. Altogether I have 500 vines. In England I read in your column that they use plastic coverings over their vines to increase heat in the summer. May I have some information about that as I would like to grow Marquette and Frontenac outside with plastic covering. Thanks for your help, Mike Mosesian