2026 KWA Annual Kentucky Grape & Wine Conference

The Kentucky Wineries Association Annual Conference brings together members of the state's grape and wine industry for two days of wine production-focused sessions, vineyard mangement sessions, and industry collaboration.

The conference is structured over two days: April 21 at Wise Bird Cider Co. in Lexington will feature winemaking sessions, including fermentation management, packaging decisions, and structured tastings. April 22 at the University of Kentucky Horticulture Research Farm (South Farm) in Lexington will focus on vineyard management, pest and disease control, and in-field demonstrations. Four pesticide CEU credits will be offered during the vineyard sessions.

Organized in collaboration with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension, the meeting brings together growers, winemakers, and industry partners to share practical experience and discuss issues affecting affecting Kentucky operations.

Registraion includes both days of programming, along with lunch, refreshments, and all structured tasting sessions (must be 21+ to participate in tasting sessions).

For more detail on sessions please see the agendas below.

Info: Registration and Coffee

Info: Morning sessions address core production decisions in winemaking, including sensory analysis and wine fault detection and prevention; fruit handling and fermentation techniques that influence aroma and flavor development; and packaging considerations such as natural cork, agglomerated and synthetic cork, crown cap, and canning. The morning also includes a behind-the-scenes look at production methods at Wise Bird, covering juice handling, bulk storage, carbonation, and final packaging operations.

Info: Afternoon sessions incorporate tastings during discussions on aging wine in spirit barrels and the sensory impact of barrel selection, as well as practical considerations when developing fruited wine products that incorporate adjunct ingredients beyond grape or apple. The day concludes with discussion and closing remarks.

Info: 8:45–9:15 AM – Coffee & Registration

Info: Morning sessions focus on vineyard management priorities for Kentucky growers, including spotted lantern fly and grape root borer identification and control, disease management without mancozeb, development of Vitis × Muscadinia hybrids for improved disease resistance and fruit quality, and vole management in Kentucky vineyards.

Info: Lunch includes the KWA Board meeting and association update; all attendees are welcome.

Info: The afternoon moves into the vineyard for field sessions and demonstrations, including use of undervine mowers for W**d and disease management, grape phylloxera control, wildlife management, and shoot thinning to improve canopy airflow, reduce disease pressure, and manage crop load. The day will conclude with open industry discussion.

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Host or Publisher University of Kentucky : Horticulture Research Farm