Our friends Hilda and Earl Jones at Abacela Vineyards & WInery in Roseburg, Oregon, started a seminar series in February that focuses on the hows, whys, whats, whens, and wheres of growing grapes, producing, and enjoying wine. The weekend-day seminars are structured in lecture and discussion format and are free of charge. Here are a couple of the upcoming topics:

February 28, 1 p.m.: Vineyard Threats

Learn about vineyard threats and diseases that can “kill” the fruit before it becomes wine. Hosted by vineyard manager Alex Cabrera.

March 28, 1 p.m.: Wine Containers

Learn the role of materials in winemaking–specifically the differences between oak-barrel and stainless-steel fermentation vessels, bottle shapes, closures, etc. Hosted by winemaker Andrew Wenzl.