Whether you are a new grape grower, an experienced grower, or someone tentatively interested, join us for our New Grape Growers Symposium with the Georgia Wine Producers! This event is perfectly tailored for those new to the industry who want to learn as much as possible to be as successful as possible in the Georgia wine industry. It also offers refreshers and new opportunities for the veteran grower. We have great speakers, Q&A sessions, time with key vendors, and a wine social event to make the day fun and informational.
Register at the link: https://georgiawineproducers.org/event-6649563.
If you are a Georgia Wine Producers member, your winery or vineyard is permitted one complimentary ticket. However, please email Steve Schmidt (director@georgiawineproducers.org) to confirm your intent to attend, or register via the link above as a GWP Member. This allows us to provide you with a name tag, a program handout, and food and wine. All other attendees must register at the standard rate. Early Bird registration is only $50 and is good through May 15th. If you have any issues with registration, please let Steve know.
Join us!
When: Saturday, June 6, 2026, 9AM-7PM
Where: UGA Griffin Campus, in the Student Learning Center (Building 4400, Room 104) 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, GA. 30223
Register at the link: https://georgiawineproducers.org/event-6649563.
Hotel room block: If you need a hotel room, you can call Home2 Suites at 678-661-3707, located at 1331 N Expressway, Griffin, GA. Let them know you are attending a GWP/UGA event on campus for a special rate.
You’ll see topics like:
Building a Business Plan – gather information on how to build a business plan and what elements are critical to consider. Tom Jones, UGA Small Business Development Center
Planning & Starting Your First Vineyard – An overview of the essential steps in establishing a vineyard from evaluating land and soil conditions to planting vines and preparing for the first harvest. You will also explore vineyard design principles, trellis systems, row orientation, and the infrastructure to support efficient vineyard operations. -Dr. Dave Lockwood, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Selecting the Right Grape Varieties & Managing Their Development – Learn how climate, soil, and disease pressures influence grape selection and how to choose grape varieties that thrive in different areas of the state. Discover the critical management practices required during the early years of vine development to ensure long-term productivity and vine health. Dr. Sarah Lowder, UGA
Pest and Disease Management – Explore Practical Approaches to identifying, preventing, and managing common vineyard pests and diseases using integrated management strategies. -Dr. Brett Blauuw and Dr. Phil Brannen, UGA
Sustainable Vineyard Practices – Discover farming approaches that improve soil health, biodiversity, and long-term resilience. Also, discover how emerging technologies are helping growers monitor vine health, improve decision making, and increase vineyard efficiency. -Dr. Sarah Lowder, UGA
Winemaking Basics for Growers – Gain a fundamental understanding of the winemaking process and how vineyard decisions directly impact wine quality. Also, learn how growers and winemakers evaluate ripeness and balance the key indicators such as sugar, acidity, and flavor development. Jason Summerour, Three Strands Vineyards
Vineyard Economics & Profitability – Understand the financial realities of vineyard establishment, including start-up costs, timelines to profitability, and long-term investment considerations. Also, explore the true costs of growing grapes and how to manage expenses to maintain a profitable vineyard operation. Megan Rivera, UGA Small Business Development Center
Direct-to-Consumer Sales Strategies -Learn how successful wineries build loyal customer bases through tasting experiences, wine clubs, and digital sales channels. Chris Paulk, Paulk Vineyards
