The University of Kentucky Department of Horticulture's Jeff Wheeler, Kendall Corbin (currently Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering) and Carlos Rodriguez López received USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funding to,
in collaboration with the Kentucky Wineries Association, create the Kentucky Wine Technical Group (KWTG). KWTG will support the local winemaking industry, improve winemaking competency of Kentucky vintners and help develop unity in message and wine quality among the diverse wine producers throughout the state. To achieve this, the KWTG will promote the development and standardization of unique Kentucky wine styles through discussions, workshops and educational trainings. In addition, researchers and industry partners will identify novel yeast with the potential to enhance the uniqueness of Kentucky wines. Technical winemaking information and scientific findings will be shared on the KWTG website and through extension publications, conference presentations and informative handouts, ensuring a wide audience base is reached. Photo: From left, Jeff Wheeler, Kendall Corbin and Carlos Rodriguez López.