As just about every area of Kentucky has seen an increase in the interest and acreage of wine grapes, so has the Eden Shale region. The Northern Kentucky and Ohio Valley region was once the leading wine grape growing area of the country. Unfortunately, our high humidity led to devastating outbreaks of the fungal disease blackrot and wine grape production moved west. The good news is we can now control blackrot and production is back.

There is a need for variety and training system recommendations specific to Eden Shale soils and topography. Agriculture and Horticulture Extension agents in the Eden Shale area, in cooperation with Dr. John Strang, Extension Horticulture Specialist and Chris Smigall, Small Fruits Research Associate, have established a wine grape variety and training system research and demonstration trial on the Eden Shale Farm in the spring of 2002.

Eight wine grape varieties have been planted in a replicated plot, and will be evaluated for winter hardiness, growth, disease susceptibility and yield. Four training systems will also be evaluated for their ease of use, yield potential, and adaptation in the Eden Shale area. Five table grape varieties are also included in both studies. The training system site will be used by agents to demonstrate grape pruning techniques.

A special thanks goes to Eden Shale Farm Manager Joe Wyles and the Eden Shale farm crew, without whose help these projects would not have been possible.

Eden Shale Grape Planting Wine Grape Variety Trial
    Planted April 5, 2002        Spacing 8' X 11'
    Plant source- Double A Vineyards, Inc.                                                   S (Road  þ )

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Eden Shale Wine Grape Training Observation Trial

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