KELSEYVILLE — The Lake County Winegrape Commission (LCWC) is launching a new program intended to build capacity and effectiveness of vineyard workers. The LCWC is sponsoring a series of training sessions for a select group of foremen and crew heads from Lake County vineyards.
The first group of “Master Vigneron Academy” participants is scheduled to meet once a month through August; then break for the harvest months of September and October before concluding the one year of coursework with a meeting in November.
Each session will cover one or more topics important to vineyard management and maintenance, including pruning, canopy management, vineyard layout, planting stock, equipment, health and safety of workers, conflict resolution, harvesting, winegrape quality and wine tasting.
According to the LCWC, the “World English Dictionary” defines the French word “vigneron” as “a person who grows grapes for winemaking.” “Wikipedia” take it a step further: “A vigneron is someone who cultivates a vineyard for winemaking. The word connotes or emphasizes the critical role that vineyard placement and maintenance has in the production of high-quality wine.”
The commission”s goal with its new project, the first of its kind in California, is two-fold: production of high-quality wine and the development of some of the best vineyard workers to be found, according to LCWC President Shannon Gunier. The commission will reward the people who successfully complete the academy with a Master Vigneron certificate.
“The end result is expected to be higher quality outputs in the vineyard with more efficient and skilled employees,” Gunier said.
“Another key element is that better-trained workers will have greater confidence and develop into more valued employees,” Gunier added. “It is hoped that employers will recognize this, leading to better pay and enhanced advancement opportunities in the wine industry.”
The concept for the yearlong program was developed by the commission”s Education
Committee Chairman Randy Krag, of Beckstoffer Vineyards. The commission has tapped its Education Director Paul Zellerman, to coordinate the program.
Zellerman, who has 30 years of grape-growing and winemaking experience, was selected to help the commission to accomplish the Master Vigneron Program goals. The Ukiah viticulturalist will also assist with the continuing sustainable winegrape growing program, according to Gunier.
“Growers will see crews that are supervised by graduates of the Master Vigneron Program performing tasks correctly and at lower costs. Ultimately, wineries and wine drinkers will recognize these efforts by the production of better wines,” Zellerman said.
For more information about the upcoming LCWC events and workshops, check the website at www.lakecountywinegrape.org or call the commission office at 995-3421.
