"Our goal is to provide information on varieties to grow and cultural practices that will enhance efficiency and profitability for the industry," said Keith Striegler, director of the Institute for Continental Climate Viticulture and Enology.

"Our goal is to provide information on varieties to grow and cultural practices that will enhance efficiency and profitability for the industry," said Keith Striegler, director of the Institute for Continental Climate Viticulture and Enology.

Wine may be a discretionary expense, and retailers say shoppers have been looking for value-priced bottles, but there are several signs the area's wine industry is growing despite the recession.

The three September incidents involved two sexual assaults.

The North Dakota Grape Growers Association was notified Oct. 20 that it will receive a $30,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That's another $120,000 of state funds for development in the state.

The Department of Agriculture Director John Hagler says agritourism became more popular this past decade. He says people are trying to save money and are buying local wines more.

State's Alcohol Beverage Control Director Michael Langley has denied Wal-Mart's request for permits to sell beer and wine at three stores in Fayetteville. Company officials say they will appeal.

the Texas High Plains usually provides just the right environment for vines to succeed. In the last few years, though, high rains have increased the area's humidity, which in turn has meant the usual cool nightly temperatures didn't occur.

The only bright spot in Missouri's revenue picture - and this is one of those good news/bad news things - is that people seem to be drinking more. We don't mean beer.

In recognition of Texas Wine Month, Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples today announced that Texas wine promoters can apply for individual grants up to $10,000 to be used to increase the current marketing of Texas wine at wine-related events, festivals and educational activities, as part of the new Wine Regional Partnership Grant Program.

Now, it seems like wine bars in Dallas have morphed into value-added venues, whether the value-added is food or an extensive retail business.

Although grape production is down in Texas due to frosts in March and April

After-hours strife prompts decision

Norton seems to be moving up in the world of red wines. More than a handful of Missouri winemakers continue to win state, national and international competitions.

Before they leaped, the Ingels looked. They attended seminars and classes offered by Oklahoma State University, Texas Tech and Texas A&M; they spoke with winery operators; they visited vineyards in California's Napa Valley, all to learn about grape farming. Viticulture, it's called

In the 1860s Spanish missionaries began cultivating grapes near present day El Paso. In 1883, Frank Qualia founded the Val Verde Winery in Del Rio, the oldest bonded winery still in operation today.

Since 2000, the number of wineries in Iowa has jumped from 13 to nearly 80. A new, cold climate grape has allowed Iowa wine-makers to grow grapes in the cold weather.

August marks the grape harvest in the Texas Hill Country. Don't miss the 2009 Harvest Wine Trail Friday through Sunday and Aug. 21-23. Some 24 wineries will participate, and some will have tastings of new releases.

A good glass of wine comes from good grapes. But, a combination of weather concerns is keeping Texas vineyard owners from producing that perfect product.

a combination of weather concerns is keeping Texas vineyard owners from producing that perfect product.