Iowans will be learning more about winemaking, thanks to a new addition to Iowa State University Extension’s staff.

Enologist Murli Dharmadhikari is meeting with state grape growers to assess their needs in an effort to develop a program of wine research and education that will benefit the Iowa wine industry. ISU Extension will begin offering short courses on grape growing and wine technology next year.

The state wine industry has the potential to grow dramatically. Iowans consume approximately 2.9 million gallons of wine each year. However, only 111,000 gallons are produced in Iowa wineries. Currently Iowa has more than 275 vineyards and 42 licensed wineries.

Growth in the state wine industry has the potential to help rebuild rural communities and restore economic health, Dharmadhikari said. More Iowans will have the ability to produce grapes because they require less land than soybeans or corn to grow. An increase in grape production and wineries also could benefit Iowans by creating new rural job opportunities and increasing agricultural tourism.

In the past Iowa was a leader in grape production, with 15.8 million pounds harvested at its peak in 1929. Production began declining in the 1930s. However, since 2000 the wine industry has been expanding.

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