2026 KWA Annual Kentucky Grape & Wine Conference

The University of Kentucky is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all programs, events and services, regardless of economic or social status and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.

University of Kentucky : Horticulture Research Farm

Program highlights include fermentation methods, wine fault analysis, critical vineyard pest and wildlife management, and hybrid development

Wise Bird Cider Co.

The Kentucky Wineries Association Annual Conference brings together members of the state's grape and wine industry for two days of wine production-focused sessions, vineyard mangement sessions, and industry collaboration.The conference is structured over two days: April 21 at Wise Bird Cider Co. in Lexington will feature winemaking sessions, including fermentation management, packaging decisions, and structured tastings. April 22 at the University of Kentucky Horticulture Research Farm (South Farm) in Lexington will focus on vineyard management, pest and disease control, and in-field demonstrations. Four pesticide CEU credits will be offered during the vineyard sessions.Organized in collaboration with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, the meeting brings together growers, winemakers, and industry partners to share practical experience and discuss issues affecting affecting Kentucky operations.Registraion includes both days of programming, along with lunch, refreshments, and all structured tasting sessions (must be 21+ to participate in tasting sessions).For more detail on sessions please see the agendas below.

Full Agenda:
Kentucky Wineries Association Annual MeetingApril 21–22, 2026 – Wise Bird Cider Co. &amp; UK Horticulture Research Farm<h2>April 21 - Winemaking Sessions– Wise Bird Cider Co.</h2>8:30 – Registration &amp; Coffee9:00 – 9:05 – Introductions &amp; Welcome9:05 – 10:00 – Sensory analysis including wine fault detection and prevention – Tony Aiken10:00 – 10:45 – Wine production practices from the point of receiving fruit through the end of fermentation. Fruit handling and fermentation methods designed to extract and develop unique wine aroma and flavor – Jeff Wheeler10:45 – 11:00 – Break (light appetizers)11:00 – 11:45 – “Sealing the Deal”. Use of traditional and alternative package finishing using natural cork vs agglomerated or synthetic cork as well as use of crown cap vs canning – Bill Stiles, Kel Ward, Jeff Wheeler11:45 AM – 12:30 – Cidery Tour. Behind the scenes look at unique production methods used by Wise Bird including how they handle juice and bulk storage, as well as finishing cider from tank carbonation to bottle, keg, and/or can – Kel Ward12:30 – 1:30 – Lunch reception and industry toast1:30 – 2:30 (tasting) – Aging wine in Spirit barrels – We will discuss production stream management and the sensory impact of spirits barrels on wine and provide examples of successful collaborations between spirits producers and wineries – Jarrad Gollihue2:30 – 3:30 (tasting) – Fruited wine – Practical considerations when developing new product lines that incorporate addition of adjuncts including fruits other than grape or apple – Kel Ward3:30 – 4:00 – Discussion and Closing Remarks <h2>Viticulture Session – April 22 – UK Horticulture Research Farm</h2>8:30 – Doors open – Coffee &amp; Registration9:15 – 10:15 – Spotted Lantern Fly and Grape Root Borer: Identification, Biology, and Control Strategies for KY Vineyards – Ric Bessin10:15 – 10:45 – Living without Mancozeb: What Disease Control programs will look like – Jeff Wheeler10:45 – 11:00 – Break11:00 – 11:30 – Developing Vitis x Muscadinia Hybrids for Enhanced disease Resistance and Quality – Brent Arnoldussen11:30 AM – 12:00 – Voles in the vineyard part 1: Lifecycle, Ecology, and Management Strategies – Matthew Springer12:00 – 12:30 – Voles in the vineyard part 2: Scouting for presence of Voles and methods of deterrence – Jeff Wheeler12:30 – 1:45 – Lunch &amp; KWA Board Meeting and update (all attendees welcome)1:45 – 3:45 – General management sessions in the vineyard:· Use of undervine mowers for disease management (demo)· Phylloxera control· Wildlife management· Shoot thinning strategies to reduce disease and adjust cropVineyard field sessions will cover integrated pest management practices including a demonstration of undervine mowing as a cultural disease management tool, grape phylloxera management, wildlife impacts on crop protection, and shoot thinning strategies to improve canopy airflow, reduce disease pressure, and manage crop load.3:45 – 4:30 PM – Open discussion and closing remarks

Our {communityGuidelinesLink} describe the sort of content we prohibit on Eventbrite. If you suspect an event may be in violation, you can report it to us so we can investigate.

To report other categories of prohibited or illegal content, submit {link}

2026 KWA Annual Kentucky Grape & Wine Conference

More events from University of Kentucky : Horticulture Research Farm

Discover more events from University of Kentucky : Horticulture Research Farm, from Food & Drink to other experiences you might love.

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all events in Lexington and filter by date, category, and more to find the perfect fit.

2026 KWA Annual Kentucky Grape & Wine Conference

More events from University of Kentucky : Horticulture Research Farm

Discover more events from University of Kentucky : Horticulture Research Farm, from Food & Drink to other experiences you might love.

You might also like...

Browse more events with different dates, prices, and formats to find your next great experience.

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all events in Lexington and filter by date, category, and more to find the perfect fit.