Like many states, Kansas was a significant wine producer in the 19th Century along with neighboring Missouri, populated by German immigrants who brought the wine tradition with them.  However, it was also the home of Carrie Nation and the early temperance movement, and, in 1881, the first state to pass statewide prohibition. That didn’t totally … Read more

Sweeping Legal Changes Late June is always when the Supreme Court issues its final, and usually most controversial, decisions, and this year was no exception. While the question of presidential immunity may have been the most awaited (and handed down Monday, July 1), the “Chevron” ruling will have far more potential impact on the wine … Read more

Like many states, Iowa produced grapes and wine far earlier than assumed (1857), even created a Grape Growers Association in 1893, and was the 6th largest producer until Prohibition wiped out the entire American wine industry. The modern wine industry has been propelled by creation of the Iowa Wine Growers Association in 2000 to provide education, promotion … Read more

National Grape Improvement Center: The Future is Here On Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer visited Geneva, NY to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new, world-class facility: USDA-ARS National Grape Improvement Center (NGIC). Senator Schumer was able to secure $68 million to construct the new scientific facility for future high-impact, cooperative research between the Agricultural Research … Read more

The Hoosier state had grapes and wine in the 18th century, and was the 10th largest producer by the mid 19th century. The Indiana Small Winery Act of 1971 sparked major growth, so now the state has many small wineries and two of the largest in the United States. The state’s location and corresponding climate … Read more