Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/543749
76 WINES&VINES August 2015 WINE INDUSTRY NEWS WINE EAST K alispell, Mont.—Established in February 2015, the Montana Grape and Wine Association (MGWA) drew some 70 at- tendees to its first conference in Kalispell on June 11. With only 15 wineries in the state and an estimated 200 acres of planted vine- yards, the attendance demonstrated growing enthusiasm for Montana's potential as a pro- ducer of cold-climate wine grapes as well as fruit wines from its abundant orchards. Association president Dan Getman repre- sents both crops: An established cherry farmer, he recently planted an acre of 500 vines of a newly introduced hybrid grape: Petite Pearl. Developed by conference keynote speaker Tom Plochard in Minnesota, Petite Pearl and its "sister" variety Crimson Pearl are closely re- lated to Pinot Noir grapes, but they are more cold hardy, Getman said. These varieties have better balanced acids and tannins than many existing cold-climate hybrids. Getman noted that a number of attendees came from out-of-state, including California, lured by Montana's lower land prices, clean air and abundant water supplies. Yet Montana has a short growing season—harvest is typically in September—and the wine-drinking public is not yet familiar with many cold-hardy hybrids. "We need to learn to make interesting, col- orful, full-bodied wines out of cold-hardy grapes," Getman said. "There is energy and excitement for our new industry. We didn't know each other; we are geographically iso- lated, but we have common needs and com- mon goals," he said. The association hopes to establish equipment and grape exchanges. Montana State University extension agent Pat McGlynn, who's been based in Kalispell since 2008, called the conference a "great event that exceeded expectations." Marketing for Montana wine is still in its infancy, and virtually no Montana wines are distributed outside the state. "The new hybrids may allow for expan- sion," she said. McGlynn also noted that Minnesota winer- ies have found success with fruit wines. "I think that's going to happen in all the northern states. Things get trendy," she said, noting the recent market popularity of fruity red grape blends. With its scattered tasting rooms and tiny vineyards, McGlynn is hopeful Montana winer- ies could reach the locavore trend. Bob Thaden, owner of Tongue River Winery in Miles City, called the conference "a water- shed moment" for the Montana industry. "We expect that within five to 10 years there will be some significant new releases that provide exactly those parameters that will make grapes a more reliable and viable crop for Montana. The establishment of this new association is vitally important for connecting those growers with existing wineries in the state. We all real- ize that we stand to gain significantly from getting to know each other." —Jane Firstenfeld Montana Grape and Wine Association Organizes, Draws 70 to First Conference " We are geographically isolated, but we have common needs and common goals." —Dan Getman, Montana Grape and Wine Association president