11/26/2004

CA High School Establishes Viticulture Program and School Vineyard

Ever wonder how California rapidly became a world class player in the wine market? Investment, education and community support were a big part of the answer and they still are today. Case in point: El Molino High School. (from Santa Rosa, Ca publication - The Press Democrat)
Winemaker Merry Edwards, a woman who knows a lot about forging her own path, is part of a community of educators, vineyard managers, grape growers and members of the Russian River Winegrowers Association that has helped establish a viticulture program at Forestville's El Molino High School, where a successful culinary arts program has been part of the curriculum for years.


The program they are putting on is far from small-time. It intends to pump money into both the school and the local wine grape growers organization. Here's another quote from the full article:
Figuring on making about 125 cases in all, Edwards will sell the as-yet-to-be-named wine under her own license and split the proceeds between the El Molino class and the Russian River Valley Winegrowers Association. At an expected retail price of $30, she hopes to net $45,000 or so from this harvest alone. Once the vineyard is at full production, she expects that number to rise to $60,000 or $80,000 a year.


Full article from The Press Demorat: Winemaker planting seeds early

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