Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m.—WOODSTOCK—For those curious about starting a vineyard or looking for creative ways to use grapes, this workshop at Billings Farm & Museum, 69 Old River Road, Woodstock, will explore the evolving landscape of grape growing in Vermont. Guided by viticulturist Sharen Conner, this class will delve into key considerations for cultivating a thriving vineyard site, covering aspects such as sun exposure, soil depth and composition, and irrigation methods. Participants will be introduced to optimal grape varieties suited to Vermont’s unique climate and topography. The class will include an introduction to making versus, an unfermented juice derived from unripe grapes, with a chance to taste a glass prepared in class.
Whether you are interested in making homegrown wine or simply curious about the steps to fulfilling that Vermont Vineyard dream, this introductory workshop will get you started.
The session will be followed by a 30-minute Q&A.
About the Presenter
Sharen Conner is the viticulturist and verjus entrepreneur for Lincoln Bridge Farms. She formerly worked 40 years in education as a learning specialist for special needs students. Her family planted a 1-acre vineyard (600 vines) in 2009. In 2016 and 2017, she learned to make wine in a commercially conventional manner and in 2018 and 2019, she experimented with “wild fermentation” using an ancient technique called pied de cuve or foot of the barrel. In 2020, Conner turned her focus to verjus and produced some for the farm stand and again the next year. In 2022, she obtained a food producer’s license and began to sell to restaurants and retail outlets. Conner is committed to caring for the environment through employing organic methods and providing experiential education to her farm-stay guests and “wwoofers” (wwoof.org) who come to help and learn these aspects of agriculture firsthand.
For more information, visit: Billingsfarm.org .
