Viticulture and Enology Research and Extension Program

The primary goal of this project is to enhance the development and profitability of vineyards, wineries, and cideries in Kentucky by providing training and expertise in current advances in winemaking, fermentation, and grape and cider production. The University of Kentucky implements programs assisting new and existing grape growers, winemakers, and cideries by addressing all facets of industry challenges. This is done through 1) Extension programming 2) applied research designed to identify optimum vineyard, orchard, and winemaking practices 3) development of field management guidelines that can be used by Kentucky farmers to increase profitability of grapes, wine, and cider 4) the production of and sale of wines produced at the UKHRF winery. This project is a long-term project and has evolved over the years to address both changing industry and program needs. Current and future projects will support the industry through evaluating field and winery practices and adapting those needs to changes in climate, consumer demand, and production sale platforms.