Annual Meeting April 13, 2026

Presenter Terence Bradshaw, UVM

Join the University of Vermont Extension for an update on current work shaping the future of Vermont viticulture. Topics will include results from ongoing cold-climate grape variety trials (8th year for 9 varieties), and new developments in vineyard weather monitoring through the Network for Environment and Weather Applications (NEWA). These presentations will highlight how research and collaboration continue to support resilient vineyards and the evolving Vermont wine industry.

Presenter Bethany Pelletier, UVM

Get valuable updates and insights from years of studying cold climate wine grape development with a focus on biopesticides in the production of sustainable wines.

Guest Speaker Emili Ponte

Data Collection, Interpretation, Action: Key Financial Metrics for Wineries.When setting production targets or pricing levels, wineries are told to make data-driven decisions. But what’s the right data to select, and what is it saying? This conversation will identify key business metrics and suggest ways to track and then respond to this information.

Guest Speaker Jeremy Schuster, Cornell University

Join vineyard specialist Jeremy Schuster of Cornell University for a discussion on how recent weather patterns—including last season’s drought—are affecting vineyard health across the Northeast. Jeremy will explore how grapevines respond to drought and other climate extremes, what growers should watch for in the coming season, and practical vineyard management strategies to help cold-climate vineyards remain resilient in a changing climate.

Industry Panel Grape to Glass

Join Deirdre Heekin of La Garagista for a conversation about how Vermont wines can successfully reach restaurant wine lists and retail shelves. Drawing on her experience as both a winemaker and restaurateur, Deirdre will lead a discussion on building relationships with restaurant and shop buyers, communicating the story of Vermont’s cold-climate wines, and creating stronger connections between producers and the hospitality industry.