UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- To support the state's growing winemaking industry, Penn State Cooperative Extension has hired Stephen Menke, enology specialist and state enologist at the University of Illinois, to fill the newly created position of enology extension agent for Pennsylvania.

With guidance from a wine industry oversight committee, Menke will develop educational programs for current and prospective Pennsylvania winemakers, conduct on-site evaluations of winemaking operations and recommend improvements, and keep winemakers apprised of the latest science regarding wine production methods, winery economics and business practices.

The new position, which will be based at the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in Adams County, was created with funding support from the Pennsylvania Wine Association, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Wine Marketing and Research Board, and Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

"This new position will help Pennsylvania to become more competitive with other major wine producing states," says Don Chapman, immediate past president of the Pennsylvania Wine Association. "By working collectively and individually with winemakers, the enology specialist will help establish industry standards that will maintain and enhance wine quality across the state."

"With the number of wineries in Pennsylvania rising by 79 percent since 1989, the wine and winegrape industries are increasingly important segments of the state's agricultural economy," says Theodore Alter, director of Penn State Cooperative Extension. "We're pleased to partner with the industry to help provide the scientific and educational programs that vintners need to remain profitable."

Pennsylvania ranks fifth among states with 85 wineries, which produce about 700,000 gallons annually. The state also ranks as the nation's fourth largest grape producer, with about 12,800 acres yielding more than 61,000 tons of grapes. According to a recent study, the wine industry directly contributes $50 million to the state's economy and generates another $140 million in tourism-related economic activity.

Menke served four years as state enology specialist in Illinois. From 1997 to 1999, he was assistant winemaker and manager at Sonoita Vineyards in Elgin, Ariz., where he grew winegrapes, made wine and managed operations for a 25,000-gallon winery. Previously, he spent five years as a research associate/specialist for grapes and cotton with the University of Arizona.

Menke earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture from the University of Saskatchewan and a doctorate in biochemistry/molecular biology from the University of Wyoming. He is a member of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture.

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EDITORS: Stephen Menke can be reached at (717) 334-6271.

Contact:

Chuck Gill cdg5@psu.edu 814-863-2713 814-863-9877 fax #257