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Research Resources

The North Carolina Wine & Grape Council has funded nearly $1 million in wine industry research throughout the last two decades.  See the links below for research information, reports, contacts and resources.



Research Funded

See the table and documents below for information, reports and presentations on research and extension projects that have been funded by the Wine & Grape Council.

2009 Research Funded 2009 Research Funded

2003-2009 Research Funded 2003-2009 Research Funded

 

 

 

2009 Research Funded

 

2009

Principal Investigator

Organization

Proposal Title

New or Renewal

Amount Funded

Reports

1

Jim Ballington

NCSU

Reestablishing a Muscadine Grape Breeding Program at North Carolina State University

New

$50,000

Update 7-30-09 Update 7-30-09

2

Molly Kelly

SCC

Optimized Grape & Wine Potential Through Intensive Vineyard and Winery Management

New

$50,000

 

3

Sara Spayd

NCSU

Crop Level Management in Cabernet Franc Grapes

Renewal

$10,423

 

4

Sara Spayd

NCSU

Evaluation of Grape Cultivars and Clones for North Carolina

Renewal

$11,754

 

5

Trevor Phister

NCSU

Development of an Evaluation Program for North Carolina Wines

New

$14,023

 

6

DeYu Xi

NCSU

Bioavailability and Antioxidant Effects of Phenolic Compounds with Potential Health Benefits in North Carolina Grape Crops

New

$10,000

 

7

Turner Sutton

NCSU

Refinement of a Spray Program to Reduce the Population of Leafhoppers in Vineyards that Transmit Xylella Fastidiosa, Cause of Pierce's Disease

New

$13,523

 

8

John Havlin

NCSU

Monitoring Nutrient Response in Vitis Vinifera in North Carolina

New

$14,000

 

9

Barclay Poling

NCSU

Influence of Nitrogen Fertility on Vine Survival, Marketable Yield and Quality for Fresh Market and Processing Muscadine Grape Cultivars Grown in the Piedmont

New

$10,000

 

10

Bruce Zoecklein & Molly Kelly

VT/SCC

Petit Manseng Quality: Sensory Profiling and Consumer Preference Mapping

New

$15,000

 

11

Anton Baudoin & Gill Giese

VT/SCC

Sentinel Vines to Evaluate Powdery Mildew Sensitivity to Fungicides on Winegrapes

New

$14,375

 

12

Norm Oches & Lauren Hunter

ASU

Soil Erosion Control Methods in Steep Slope Vineyards

New

$9,549

 

TOTAL

 

 

 

 

$222,647

 

 

2008 Research Funded

2008

Principal Investigator

Organization

Proposal Title

New or Renewal

Amount Funded

Reports

1

John Havlin

NCSU (collaborative)

Survey of Vitis Vinifera Nutrient Status in NC

Renewal

$15,400

Progress Report Progress Report

2

Turner Sutton

NCSU (collaborative)

A Survey for Vectors of the Pierce's Disease Bacterium in Muscadine and Vinifera Vineyards and their Reservoir Hosts

Renewal

$11,477

Progress Report Progress Report

3

Barclay Poling

NCSU

A New Carlos Muscadine Pruning Research Trial at the Horticultural Research Station in Clinton and Continuation of Vineyard Pruning Trials in Duplin and Scotland Counties in 2008

New

$7,500

Progress Report Progress Report

4

Sara Spayd

NCSU

Evaluation of Grape Cultivars and Clones for North Carolina

Renewal

$5,785

Progress Report Progress Report

5

Trevor Phister

NCSU

Sensory Consideration of Wines Workshop

New

$4,550

 

6

Sara Spayd

NCSU (collaborative)

Crop Level Management in Cabernet Franc Grapes

Renewal

$1,500

Progress Report Progress Report

7

Gill Giese

SCC(collaborative)

Optimized Grape Potential Through Root System and Soil Moisture Manipulations

Renewal

$11,371

Progress Report Progress Report

TOTAL

 

 

 

 

$57,583

 

2007 Research Funded

2007

Principal Investigator

Organization

Proposal Title

New or Renewal

Amount Funded

Reports

1

John Havlin

NCSU (collaborative)

Survey of Vitis Vinifera Nutrient Status in NC

Renewal

$11,900

Progress Report Progress Report
Presentation Presentation

2

Sara Spayd

NCSU

Evaluation of Grape Cultivars and Clones for North Carolina

New

$2,550

Progress Report Progress Report
Presentation Presentation

3

Trevor Phister

NCSU

Development of a Rapid Method for Detection of Wine Spoilage Microbes

New

$8,832

Final Report Final Report
Presentation Presentation

4

Turner Sutton

NCSU

A Survey for Vectors of the Pierce's Disease Bacterium in Muscadine and Vinifera Vineyards and their Reservoir Hosts

New

$9,455

Presentation Presentation

5

Sara Spayd

NCSU (collaborative)

Crop Level Management in Cabernet Franc Grapes

New

$8,923

Postponed due to freezing weather - See 2008 report

6

Barclay Poling

NCSU

Influence of Training Systems, Levels of Pruning Severity and Long-Term Effects on Yield and Quality in Carlos Muscadine Grapes

New

$8,500

Presentation Presentation

7

Gill Giese

SCC(collaborative)

Optimized Grape Potential Through Root System and Soil Moisture Manipulations

Renewal

$7,755

Presentation Presentation

TOTAL

 

 

 

 

$57,916

 

 

2006 Research Funded

2006

Principal Investigator

Organization

Proposal Title

New or Renewal

Amount Funded

Reports

1

Gill Giese

SCC

Optimized Grape Potential Through Root System and Soil Moisture Manipulations

New

$11,000

Progress Report Progress Report
See also 2007 presentation

2

Leon Boyd

NCSU

Effects of Commercial Enzyme Preparations on the Quality of Muscadine Juice, Wine and the Recovery of Value-Added By-Products

Renewal

$8,250

 

3

Turner Sutton

NCSU

The Effect of Summer Pruning on the Incidence of Pierce's Disease

New

$11,300

 

4

John Havlin

NCSU

Survey of Vitis Vinifera Nutrient Status in NC

New

$13,000

See 2008 report and 2007 presentation

TOTAL

 

 

 

 

$43,550

 

 

 

 

2005 Research Funded

 

 

2005

Principal Investigator

Organization

Proposal Title

New or Renewal

Amount Funded

Reports

1

Ken Sorensen

NCSU

Monitoring Population Duration and Economic Impact of Asian Ambrosia Beetle

New

$4,850

Final Report Final Report

2

Barclay Poling

NCSU

Extension Program Operating Support Muscadine Grape Growers in NC

Renewal

$5,000

Progress Report Progress Report

3

Leon Boyd

NCSU

Effects of Commercial Enzyme Preparations on the Quality of Muscadine Juice, Wine and the Recovery of Value-Added By-Products

New

$9,500

Progress Report Progress Report

4

T. Sutton & G. Kennedy

NCSU

Identification of Vectors and Reservoir Hosts of Xylella Fastidiosa, Causal Agent of Pierce's Disease of Grapevine

New

$11,513

Progress Report Progress Report
See also 2007 presentation

5

Barclay Poling

NCSU

Tissue Testing and N and K Fertility in Muscadines

New

$5,000

Progress Report Progress Report

TOTAL

 

 

 

 

$43,550

 

2004 Research Funded

2004

Principal Investigator

Organization

Proposal Title

New or Renewal

Amount Funded

Reports

1

R.A. Allen & D.W. Monks

NCSU

Development of a Viticultural Research Program in North Carolina

New

$11,400

 

2

Turner Sutton

NCSU

The Effects of Cultural Practices and Winter Temperatures on the Survival of Pierce's Disease Bacterium in Infected Vines

Renewal

$8,000

 

3

Barclay Poling

NCSU

To Provide Extension Services to Muscadine Grape Growers Throughout North Carolina Through Site Visits and Effective Communication with Muscadine Growers

New

$5,000

 

4

Barclay Poling

NCSU

To Conduct Training Programs for 25 Horticulture Extension Agents

New

$4,000

 

5

R. Andy Allen

NCSU

To Provide Extension Services to Bunch Grape Growers Throughout North Carolina Through Site Visits and Effective Communication with Bunch Grape Growers and to Provide Bunch Grape Training to Extension Agents

New

$4,000

 

6

Tony Wolf

VT

Wine Grape Variety, Clone and Training System Evaluations

New

$5,000

 

TOTAL

 

 

 

 

$37,400

 

 

2003 Research Funded

2003

Principal Investigator

Organization

Proposal Title

New or Renewal

Amount Funded

Reports

1

Leon Boyd & J. Allen

NCSU

Review of Health Benefits of Grape & Wines and their Relevance to NC Products

New

$2,800

 

2

Leon Boyd & Dan Carroll

NCSU

Effects of Processing Conditions on the Recovery of Antioxidants from Muscadine Grapes and Pomace

Renewal

$8,323

 

3

J.R. Meyer

NCSU

Sensory Attraction to Host Plants by Mated Females of the Grape Root Borer

New

$3,060

 

4

A. Allen

NCSU

The North Carolina Winegrape Grower's Guide

New

$10,000

 

5

Turner Sutton

NCSU

Effect of Pruning Practices and Average Winter Temperature on the Progression of Pierce's Disease

New

$12,647

 

6

Turner Sutton

NCSU

Refining a Fungicide Spray Program for Winegrapes in North Carolina

New

$6,340

 

TOTAL

 

 

 

 

$43,170

 

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Small Business and Financial Resources

 

Business Models specific to Wine grapes and Wineries:

 

Other Resources:

The following list of resources is provided by the N.C. Wine & Grape Council to guide those looking for loans, grants or information regarding financial aspects of starting a vineyard and/or winery in North Carolina.

 

 

Grant Programs

 

  • USDA/CSREES Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program provides funding for integrated, multifunctional agricultural research, extension, and education activities. Funding is announced through a separate Request for Applications (RFA) for each program.
  • On-Farm Research These projects are similar to the Producer Grant Program which focuses on projects that promote sustainable agriculture and produce information that many farmers can use. These On-farm Research proposals are for research conducted by extension, NRCS or NGO personnel who currently work with farmers and ranchers. In this On-farm Research program at least farmer/rancher cooperators must be involved in the project from planning through implementation and outreach. Project funding maximum: $15,000.
  • Environmental Education Grants (EPA) The Grant Program sponsored by EPA's Office of Environmental Education supports environmental education projects that enhance the public's awareness, knowledge, and skills to make informed decisions that affect environmental quality. Since 1992, EPA has received between $2 and $3 million in grant funding per year and has awarded about 1,700 grants. The EPA is soliciting applications for projects to design, demonstrate or disseminate environmental education practices, methods or techniques, including assessment of environmental conditions and specific environmental issues. Details on the program and how to make submissions are available.
  • Soils and Soil Biology United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program.
  • Watershed Processes and Water Resources United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program. 
  • Value-Added Products Research - Non-Food Characterization/Process/Product Research United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program
  • Managed Ecosystems United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program.
  • Program for Ecosystem Research (PER) United States Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Biological and Environmental Research (OBER)

 

 

Insurance Coverage

The Department of Insurance (NCDOI) has a Market Assistance Program (MAP) established in the mid-eighties when commercial coverage was difficult to find. Anyone having difficulty finding commercial coverage should contact the MAP and see if it knows of carriers that may be willing to write the coverage.

 

Keep in mind though, that MAP attempts to respond to the availability issue. It does not speak to affordability. There are two types of companies that provide insurance coverage:

  • Licensed companies, whose policyholders are covered by the NC Guaranteed Association in the event a licensed company became insolvent
  • Surplus Line Coverage (SLC) companies. If the SLC Company were to become insolvent, there would be no protection for its policyholders, under the Guaranty Association.

 

If you are having a problem finding coverage, please call the NCDOI’s Market Assistance Program at (919) 807- 6750 or (800) 546-5664 for assistance.

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Technical and Research Contacts

 

Jeff Bloodworth, Private Grape Breeder

Bloodworth breeds grapes through cross pollination and seedling propagation. The objective of the grape breeding program is to produce commercially acceptable cultivars that fall into four categories:

  • Muscadine grapes, primarily for the fresh market
  • Muscadine-like hybrid grapes improved by incorporating bunch grape characteristics
  • Bunch-type seedless grapes
  • Bunch-type wine grapes. Bloodworth maintains and breeds more than one thousand grape cultivars.


Contact:
N.C. Grape Breeding Program
2311 Hermitage Rd.
Hillsborough, NC 27278
 grapjb@mindspring.com

 

Dan Carroll, Enologist, Food Science, NCSU

Dr. Carroll has research, extension and teaching responsibilities in the Food Science Department. Research interests include:

  • Processing factors affecting the composition and quality of fruit and vegetable product
  • New product and process development
  • Enological research involving grapes adapted to N.C. growing conditions.

Contact: Department of Food Science 

Box 7624, NCSU

Raleigh, NC 27695-7624
(919) 513-2095.

 

Bill Cline, Researcher and Extension Specialist, Plant Pathology, NCSU

Mr. Cline is responsible for investigating diseases of small fruit crops at the Horticultural Crops Research Station, Castle Hayne, and conducts research on muscadine grapes in the department of Plant Pathology at NCSU. Current efforts include checking cultivars for disease resistance, and establishing new test fields at Castle Hayne for use in evaluating fungicides and cultural practices to enhance disease control.

 

Contact: Horticultural Crops Research Station

3800 Castle Hayne Road

Castle Hayne, NC 28429

(910) 675-2314

bill_cline@ncsu.edu

 

C. Mike Mainland, Professor, Horticulture, NCSU

Dr. Mainland works with cultural practices of muscadine grapes at the Horticultural Crops Research Station, Castle Hayne. New trellising and training procedures using recently released cultivars is the current area of cultural research. The goal is to improve the quality and marketability of muscadine grapes for the fresh market. W. Terry Bland, also at Castle Hayne, assumed responsibility for muscadine grape extension programs in February 1995.

 

Contact: Horticultural Crops Research Station

3800 Castle Hayne Road

Castle Hayne, NC 28429

(910) 675-2314

mike_mainland@ncsu.edu, terry_bland@ncsu.edu.

 

David Monks, Associate Professor, Horticulture, NCSU

Dr. Monks has extension and research responsibilities for weed management in vegetable and small fruit (blueberry, bramble, grape, and strawberry) crops. Research interests include weed/crop competition, weed ecology, weed management in no-till and conventional vegetables and herbicide efficacy, residue and carryover studies. Research interests also include developing alternative methods (i.e. living mulch) to herbicides for weed management.

 

Contact: Department of Horticultural Science

Box 7609, NCSU

Raleigh, NC 27695-7609

(919) 515-5370

david_monks@ncsu.edu

 

E. Barclay Poling, Professor and Small Fruit Extension Specialist, Horticulture, NCSU

Dr. Poling has extension and research responsibilities for small fruit crops, with emphasis on strawberry environmental physiology and cultural research and Muscadine grapes.

 

Contact: Department of Horticultural Science

Box 7609, NCSU

Raleigh, NC 27695-7609

 (919) 515-119

barclay_poling@ncsu.edu

 

Turner Sutton, Professor of Plant Pathology, NCSU

Dr. Sutton has extension and research responsibilities for plant pathology, and is currently surveying diseases on grapes in North Carolina.

 

Contact: Department of Plant Pathology

Room 200 1320 Varsity Drive, NCSU

Raleigh, NC 27695-7616

(919) 515-6823

turner_sutton@ncsu.edu

 

Tony Wolf, Associate Professor and Viticulturist, Virginia Tech

Dr. Wolf is responsible for the state-wide direction of grape research and extension efforts. Extension programs disseminate research-based recommendations defined by Virginia's growing conditions. His primary goals are to improve grape quality and increase vineyard productivity.

 

Contact: Virginia Cooperative Extension

595 Laurel Grove Rd.

Winchester, VA 22602

(540) 869-2560

vitis@vt.edu

 

N.C. State University Reference Information, (919) 515-2011 or visit NCSU Regional Experts List  for technical experts.

 

Other Academic Resource Contacts:

 

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Electronic Newsletters and Discussion Groups

 

Electronic Newsletters

  • N.C. State University publishes Grape Advisory that distributes industry announcements and timely muscadine and bunch grape production advice. To subscribe, send an e-mail message to: almanac@ces.ncsu.edu and in the text write: subscribe grape-mg.
  • Dr. Tony Wolf, Viticulturist at Virginia Tech, publishes a bimonthly technical electronic newsletter VCE-Grapenews a.k.a. Vineyard Notes. To subscribe, send an e-mail message to: listserv@listserv.vt.edu. Do not include a subject statement. Put one line of text in the body of the message: subscribe vce-grapenews your name. Use your actual name for "your name." Dr. Wolf also posts several useful publications at the Virginia Tech website. This site includes useful vineyard economics and site selection papers.
  • Dr. Bruce Zoecklein, Enologist at Virginia Tech, published Vintner's Corner and back issues are posted online.  Click on "Vintner's Corner" under "Industry Pubs."
  • Current and back issues of Vineyard & Vintage View from Southern Missouri State University are available online.

 

Discussion Groups

 

  • An e-mail discussion group northcarolinagrapes is administered by Dan Strickland, a North Carolina grape grower. To subscribe: send an e-mail message to: northcarolinagrapes-subscribe@egroups.com. You will receive instructions for posting your questions or comments to the entire group.
  • An e-mail discussion group called virginiawine is administered by Chrysalis Vineyards, a Virginia winery. To subscribe, send an e-mail message to: winegrowers-request@virginiawine.com with the word "subscribe" in the subject field. Then to send a message to the list, e-mail the message to winegrowers@virginiawine.com.

 

Note: When you subscribe to the above two newsletter groups, all traffic from the groups will be received at your e-mailbox. Some people are surprised at how much e-mail a group generated.

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