10/28/2005

OGGWMA Urges Vineyard Owners to Protect Their Crops

Attention Oklahoma Vineyard Owners

You can voluntarily list your Oklahoma vineyard to identify it's location with the Oklahoma Department of Ag Food Forestry. Click here for more information and printable form (PDF)

This is a seldom discussed but important subject especially to those who have lost several hundred or several thousand dollars worth of grapes to spray damage, it is critical to protect your grapevine investment in every way you can. What good is it to protect your grapes from deer, just to have them destroyed by 2,4-D?

In many states, there are now restrictions on the use of 2,4-D in the grape growing regions. The immediate symptom of 2,4-D damage in your vineyard is the wilting of the shoot tips. Leaf symptoms are visible as cupping upward on grape leaves that were partially formed when the application took place. Wine grapes contaminated at bloom usually develop smaller fruit and with increased dose will develop tiny grapes that stay green but do not fall, and/or a lot of fruit may fall off so you end up with only a few grapes.

10/25/2005

2005 Dallas Beaujolais Nouveau Festival Nov 18

Annual Dallas Beaujolais Wine Festival
The annual arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveau is one of the most exciting events in the wine lover's calendar. Dallas hosts the world's largest single Beaujolais Nouveau Festival.

11/18/2005 - 22nd Annual Dallas Beaujolais Wine Festival
Dallas World Trade Center - 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
2050 Stemmons Freeway Dallas, TX 75207
Tickets available at: http://www.faccdallas.com/

By French Law, Beaujolais Nouveau - a light and fruity red wine known for its light, easy to drink flavor - is only released from wineries at the stroke of midnight on the third Thursday of every November. In France, this starts a 'fete populaire' from the streets of country villages to the heart of Paris.

An estimated 2,000 wine lovers will be among the first to taste the 2005 Beaujolais Nouveau as well as many excellent Beaujolais vintages. Guests will be immersed in French culture with gourmet food displays, a tempting silent auction, caricaturists, dancing, and of course the Grand Wine Tasting!

Some of this year’s festival Gourmet Food Sponsors are: Chez Gérard, Dakota’s Steakhouse, Dallas Market Center, Evian, Hôtel St. Germain, Lavendou Bistro Provençal, La Duni Latin Café, Main Street Bread Baking Company, Mozzarella Company & Empire Bakery, Paciugo Gelato, Perrier, Rendezvous, Spike, and more…

Beaujolais Festival Ticket Price Includes:

  • Commemorative Wine Glass, Food and Wine Tasting
  • Tickets Are $49 and Non-Refundable
  • Dress - Cocktail or Business Attire
  • Coat Check will be Available
  • Self Parking or Valet Parking Available
Every ticket holder will receive a commemorative wine glass to follow and imitate the smelling, swishing, and spitting process known as degustation. Celebrate the season with good wine and good cheer!

Technorati Tags: Wine, Food and Drink, Wine Tasting, Beaujolais.

10/23/2005

Wine Release Party at Greenfield Winery Nov 5

Oklahoma Winery Offers A New Taste for the Holidays

On Saturday, November 5, Greenfield Winery and Vineyards in Chandler, OK will officially kick off the beginning of their Holiday season with the release a very special Estate grown Holiday Rosé.

Come join the celebration on November, 5, 2005 for free hors d’ oeuvres from 3 to 6 pm and of course for a taste of their new wine designed especially with the holidays in mind.

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10/22/2005

Oklahoma Wine Grape Industry Education Schedule Released

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rinda Skaggs (405) 307-9968 Education Chairman Oklahoma Grape Growers and Wine Makers Association

EXPANDING WINE GRAPE INDUSTRY STIMULATES MULTIPLE EDUCATION VENUES FOR GROWERS AND INVESTORS

Historic yields per acre, firm prices per ton for quality Oklahoma grapes, 30 active wineries, and attractive land prices continue to stimulate interest from investors and those seeking second careers or farm diversification. The landslide of interest has resulted in multiple responses from various institutions, according to Rinda Skaggs, Education Chairman of the Oklahoma Grape Growers and Wine Makers Association.

The OGGWMA is comprised of vineyards and wineries across Oklahoma’s 10 eco regions. Our website, www.oklahomawines.org receives inquiries from all over the U.S. Our volunteer Board members give many hours each week answering questions from folks who want to grow grapes and solve vineyard problems. -- Rinda Skaggs

To promote the education of winegrowers and winemakers, the OGGWMA today released this current calendar of events and courses.

#1. So You Think You Want to Grow Grapes

Cooperative sponsors: Central Technology Center, Redlands Community College. A one day introduction to growing grapes in Oklahoma. Topics covered: History, Economics, Marketing, Variety and Site Selection, Site Preparation, Irrigation, Pest Control.

Date: Saturday, October 29, 2005
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Central Tech Technology Center 3 CT Circle, Drumright, OK Seminar Center
Registration Deadline: October 27, 3:00 p.m.

This seminar is open to the public at no charge.

For more information or to register, contact Bill Inman, Central Tech, at (918) 352-4517




#2 OGGWMA Industry Reception : Meet your Extension Crop Specialist

Sponsored by the Oklahoma Grape Growers and Wine Makers Association for prospective, new and current members of the grape and wine industry, featuring Eric Stafne and the OSU Extension Grape Management Program. Meet OGGWMA Board members, winemakers and winegrowers from across Oklahoma, learn about OSU extension offerings and sign up for OGGWMA Membership.

Date: Thursday, November 10, 2005
Time: 3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Location: Cleveland County Fairgrounds Arena Lobby 601 East Robinson in Norman, Oklahoma
Registration: OGGWMA Education Chair, Rinda Skaggs (405)307-9968 or email: jamesskaggs@prodigy.net There is no charge for this event, but you must register to attend. Pre registration preferred, but you may register at the door.




#3 Oklahoma Grape Growers and Wine Makers Association Annual Meeting

Date: January 21-22, 2006
Time: 2 day weekend event
Location: Holiday Inn Airport, 2101 South Meridian, Oklahoma City
Registration: Information contact OGGWMA Education Chair Rinda Skaggs, 405-307-9968.

This is the annual convention meeting of Oklahoma winegrowers and winery owners: Seminar topics for all experience levels in viticulture and enology; Oklahoma wine tasting reception sponsored by OGGWMA wineries.




#4 Grayson County Community College, Dennison, Texas

Date: Spring 2006 Weekend courses in viticulture and enology
Registration: Begins in December.
Contact: Cindy Perez
Administrative Assistant ~ Grayson County College Foundation

Viticulture & Enology Program Assistant
Office of Resource & Community Development
903-463-8621 - Phone
903-463-5284 - Fax




#5 2006 OSU Grape Management Extension Course

Date: Begins in March, 2006 and meets periodically during the grape crop cycle.
Time: Afternoon sessions
Location: OSU Test Vineyard at Perkins, Oklahoma. There is a class fee for this course
Contact: Stephanie Larimer at 405-744-5404
CLASS FILLS QUICKLY! Sign up now to receive information.

To find information about all Oklahoma wine industry events go to www.oklahomawines.org. Look for additional seminars to be offered at St. Gregory’s University, Shawnee, Redlands Community College, El Reno, and the annual Horticulture Industry Show.

Of course, keep your eyes on Oklahoma Wine News for all of the latest local wine business news and events. Subscribers never miss a beat!

10/18/2005

Halloween Costume Party in Drumright Oct. 29

Masquerade at the Winery - canceled

Enjoy live music, heavy hors d'oeuvres and more at the Tidal School Vineyards Halloween Party Saturday, October 29, 2005 from 6pm to 10pm.

Only $15.00 per person
Seating is limited, order your tickets today!
Visit their website to buy tickets online or call Toll free 866 258 1903

UPDATE: This event has been canceled.

10/17/2005

Enid Wine and Food Festival to Benefit SPCA Nov 5, 2005

The 6th Annual Wine and Food Festival to benefit Enid Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will be 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 5.
It will be held at Cherokee Strip Conference Center, 123 W. Maine.

Gabriella Wilson, of Enid SPCA, said all proceeds will go to the organization and its programs.

Oklahoma's major beverage suppliers, as well as local and state wineries, will participate. More than 60 wine and gourmet beers will be available for sampling, and Wilson said the number of beverages could reach as many as 80 or 90. -- The Enid News and Eagle

Tickets are $25 each and are available at The Cat Clinic, Buck's Party Shop, and Enid SPCA. Tickets are on sale now and must be purchased ahead of time, according to state liquor laws. No tickets will be sold at the door. Last year, this fancy but fun event attracted nearly 700 people.

Full article here: The Enid News and Eagle - 6th annual Wine and Food Festival to benefit SPCA.

10/15/2005

Oklahoma Lottery Tickets for Sale at Nuyaka Creek Winery

Something New to Shout About at Nuyaka Creek Winery

We are now selling Oklahoma Lottery Tickets at the winery! So, when you come out to taste our wine, you can now take a chance on winning BIG while helping fund our schools.

Nuyaka Creek Winery is also doing a few events this month. This Saturday, October 15th, we are pouring and selling our wine at the Lake Skiatook Association’s Benefit.

Tuesday, we will be in Norman, OK pouring for the Norman Chamber of Commerce After Hours Business meeting and on the 27th, we will be pouring and selling our wine at the Plaza Shopping Center at 81st and Lewis in Tulsa.


Oklahoma Wine News - Your Source for Sooner State Vineyard Happenings.

Homemade Wine Contest in Stroud, OK Nov. 19, 2005

2005 Winery & Grape Capitol Non-Commercial Wine Competition Call for Entries


The Stroud Chamber of Commerce (www.stroudok.com) is pleased to issue the official call for entries for the Winery & Grape Capitol Non-Commercial Wine Competition. Non-Commercial winemakers are invited to enter their wines for judging and to attend a seminar program, both of which will take place Saturday, November 19, 2005 in Stroud, OK.

Click here for an Entry Form or call 866-501-9767

Medals will be presented Saturday, November 19, at Wine & Cheese Social

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Registration through Friday, November 18, 2005
Continues at StableRidge Vineyard & Winery until 6:00 p.m.
2016 Highway 66 West, Stroud, Oklahoma

Evening reception 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
At StableRidge for Chamber Board Members, Lincoln County Grape Growers Association Members and Competition Participants.

Late Registration Saturday, November 19, 2005
8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS
Moderator and Professionals provided by The Lincoln County Grape Growers Association.
to answer your questions.

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. How is a wine tasted?
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. How is a wine made?
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. How is a grape grown?
4:30 Wine and Cheese Social & Meet the winners!


Entry Forms and Payments should be mailed to:
Stroud Chamber of Commerce
Attn: Non-Commercial Wine Competition
216 West Main Street
Stroud, OK 74079
918-968-4431

Deadline for Wine – If attending the seminar, you may deliver your wine at registration.

Judging – November 19, 2005

Awards Presented – November 19, 2005 at Wine & Cheese Social

For questions, please contact the Judy Walkingstick at 866-501-9767 or stroudre@brightok.net

Divisions and Classes
Division 1 – White Wine:
Class – Pinot Gris
Class – Chardonnay
Class – Varietal Blend
Class – Other White Wines

Division 2 – Red Wine:
Class – Merlot
Class – Cabernet Sauvignon
Class – Varietal Blend
Class – Other Red Wines

Division 3 – Rose and Blush
Division 4 – Berry, Fruit Wine (non-grape), Flower or Flavored
Division 5 – Late Harvest, Port and Dessert Wine

The Competition is open only to wines produced by non-commercial winemakers producing less than 200 gallons per year. Entry forms and fees ONLY must be received by November 4, 2005.

10/14/2005

Oklahoma Vineyard Wins Trade Mark Dispute

According to Trademark Trial and Appeal Board watchdog: The TTABlog, the owner of Grape Ranch Vineyards in Okemah, Oklahoma, successfully fended off a Patent and Trademark Office complaint over his mark 'Grape Ranch' for wines. See the full article for more details: TTAB Squashes GRAPE RANCH 2(e)(1) Mere Descriptiveness Refusal.

Okemah, Oklahoma is widely known as the birthplace of the legendary Woody Guthrie. Grape Ranch Vineyards is a sponsor of the annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival held there.

10/11/2005

Oklahoma Wines and More in OKC

Tastes Made in Oklahoma Oct 28 & Oct 29

Guests will be allowed to order off the menu as usual in a come and go format. Vintners from three Oklahoma Vineyards will be available, (on alternating days). You will also have the opportunity to sample two different Oklahoma Beers and a new Oklahoma distilled vodka.

Place: Pepperoni Grill, Penn Square Mall
City: Oklahoma City
Date: Oct 28, 2005 (Fri) to Oct 29, 2005 (Sat) @ 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Cost: Wine by the Glass, Vodka, Beer
Contact: 405-848-4660

10/10/2005

Grand Wine Country Open House Oct. 22, 2005

Planning a Trip to the Grand Lake Area?

Join Oklahoma wineries Oak Hills, Summerside Vineyards and Cabin Creek for: Tastes Around the World Open House Party on Saturday, October 22, 2005. Grand Wine Country is the latest Oklahoma Wine Trail to be organized in the state.

Check out their websites for further fun and information on winery specific specials and events.

10/05/2005

Information Request for Oklahoma Vineyard Owners - Act Fast!

Get Your Winery or Vineyard on the Map!
According to OGGWMA, the Tulsa World newspaper is working on an upcoming article and locator map on the revival of the Oklahoma grape and wine industry.

Oklahoma vineyard and winery owners should make haste to look over the information request...the deadline for entry is this Friday!

Free listing on Tulsa World’s Vineyard Map of Oklahoma!



10/03/2005

The 2nd Annual Art on Main Festival in Jenks


A Celebration of Oklahoma Art and Music

The Art on Main Festival is FREE to the public on Saturday, October 8th from 10am to 6pm in historic downtown Jenks.

Closed to all vehicle traffic, Main Street will come alive with over 90 local artists showcasing and selling their original works that include drawings, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting, photography. sculpture and wood carving, just to name a few.

The acoustic stylings of local musician Joel Wade will begin at 11:00 am. Headlining at 2:00pm the smooth jazz sound of Grady Nichols, jazz saxophonist of the new millennium, will be performing with his band on the AEP/Public Service Company of Oklahoma stage.

The public will also have the pleasure of sampling wines from many of Oklahoma's finest wineries including some of the states most prestigious and award winning.

Art on Main is made possible by sponsorships with AEP/Public Service Company of Oklahoma, BancFirst - Jenks, Bank of Oklahoma, IBC Bank, SBC and a cooperative grant funded through the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment of the Arts.

For more information, please contact Chris Hopkins at the Jenks Chamber of Commerce at
918-299-5005 or visit their website at http://www.jenkschamber.com/events.asp?id=70&eventsid=111.

Located in lovely downtown Jenks, Oklahoma.

Local Wine Tasting at 2005 Tulsa State Fair


The 2005 Tulsa State Fair - Wine Garden Oasis

Come taste local wines, cheeses and chocolates in this vineyard themed attraction. Four Oklahoma wineries will be on hand to answer any questions you have about wine and the wine-making process.

For just $1 per one ounce serving, you can take a Wine Tasting Tour of our Oklahoma vineyards and buy a bottle of your favorite!

Located in the Upper Level of the Expo in the Southwest Corner

Visit the official Tulsa State Fair Website for more information!