CLARKSVILLE — The Sept. 9 Muscadine Field Day at the Fruit Research Station will feature tastings, tours and a tale of growth by Rusty Tractor Vineyards.
The field day is being presented by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture in conjunction with the Arkansas Association of Grape Growers. It will be hosted at the Fruit Research Station near Clarksville, part of the division’s Agricultural Experiment Station research arm.
Attendees will see/taste varieties developed by the Division of Agriculture including Altus™ and Mighty Fine™, the organization’s first muscadine cultivars, and hear industry insights from Rusty Tractor Vineyards of Little Rock.
Registration is required, and the deadline to register is Aug. 21. The Muscadine Field Day includes dinner and is $30 per person for non-members and $20 per person for AAGG members and UA System employees and students. Registration and payment are two separate tasks. Register online, then complete payment through the Arkansas Association of Grape Growers.
“This field day is an important opportunity that allows our Arkansas grape and wine industry attendees to gain first-hand knowledge about how our UA System research and extension efforts have impact in Arkansas and beyond,” said Renee Threlfall, associate professor and enologist and viticulturist, for the Division of Agriculture.
Amanda McWhirt, extension specialist-horticulture crops, said “this workshop will offer something for both new and established growers.
“Beginning growers will learn how to plant and establish muscadine vines, what to watch out for regarding pests and have the opportunity to hear from established growers on how to develop a winery business,” she said. “Established growers will appreciate getting to see and taste the latest muscadine grape variety releases from the Division of Agriculture fruit breeding program and see the newly established muscadine variety trial."
Agenda
1 p.m. — Registration, muscadine fruit and juice tasting
