30th Gulf Coast Winegrowers Watson Field Day Returns to Cat Spring - Preview

The Gulf Coast Winegrowers Association (GCWA) 30th Annual Watson Field Day presented by Capital Farm Credit is scheduled for Feb. 11, 2022, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. This in-person conference will be held at the Cat Spring Agricultural Society Hall located at 13035 Hall Rd, Cat Spring TX.

Fran Pontasch, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services Viticulturist – Gulf Coast, has prepared a full agenda with topics of interest to new hobbyists and commercial prospective grape growers as well as established growers and winemakers in the Gulf Coast region. A Trade Show is included and features exhibitors representing nurseries, vineyard equipment, fertilizers & pesticides, irrigation, tractors, mechanical sprayers/equipment, and other industry-related products.

These are the sessions planned:

Starting a Vineyard – Fran Pontasch
Planning a Spray Strategy – Dr. Justin Scheiner, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Viticulture Specialist
Freeze Recovery in Blanc Du Bois – Fran Pontasch
How to Employ Legal Temporary Agricultural Labor – Arnulfo Hinojosa FEWA
Laws & Regulations, Pesticide Safety – Dr. Don Renchie, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Program Leader and Coordinator
Vineyard to Winery Panel Discussion: Best Day to Harvest – Every Year a Mystery
- Panelists:
  - Paul M. Bonarrigo – Messina Hof Wineries
  - David Fleming – Fleming Farms Vineyards
  - Les Mauldin – Sommelier Logistics
  - Wes Jensen – Sages Vintage Custom Crush
10 Year Rootstock & Variety Trial – Dr. Doug Rowlett, Paradox House Vineyard

After a long day of sessions, the day ends with a Networking Social.

Registration at the door is $40 for GCWA members and $50 for non-members. Lunch and the Networking Social are included. Pre-registration is not required.

For further information contact:

Paul Darst, GCWA Director / Darst Ranch Vineyards
832-250-3568
pauldarst@darstranchvineyards.com