WINERY ESTABLISHMENT CONFERENCE SET FOR FEBRUARY 2009

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Starting a winery takes preparation and planning. The 2009 Winery Establishment Conference to be held Feb. 17-19 at the Jordan Tatter Conference Center at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC), Benton Harbor, can provide prospective winery owners with a good start.

"In Michigan, the wine industry has been steadily growing for the past 30 years," says Tom Zabadal, conference coordinator and grape specialist at Michigan State University (MSU). "Wine grape vineyard acreage is increasing in the state, and more and more people are interested in starting wineries. This conference is for those people who see themselves starting a winery in the next few months or within the next few years, either here or in other Midwestern states."

The conference will feature experts in winery establishment from all over the country who will discuss the major aspects of winery management and operations, including the legal and regulatory process, layout, design and building; economics; cash flow; marketing and investment generation.

"This is a unique opportunity for anyone having a level of interest in starting a winery,” Zabadal says. “We have been fortunate to assemble a highly regarded group of professionals in the winery industry from California to New York, and many have international expertise."

The conference is sponsored by USDA Rural Development, Michigan Grape and Wine and Industry Council, Michigan State University Extension, Project GREEEN, MSU Product Center, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Southwestern Michigan Tourist Council, GW Kent and Cornerstone Alliance.

Media note: For video or photo opportunities with new winery owners in Michigan, contact Tom Zabadal at 269-944-1477 x 206.

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MSU Extension is an Affirmative-Action Equal-Opportunity Institution. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, or family status.

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