TWO: 9:15 - 9:45 ... Dr. Graham Cogley of the Geography department at Trent University here in Peterborough Ontario presented the results of a thesis. The thesis was prepared by Elise Ho - see excerpts from this thesis - who studied the winter temperatures at Dr. Bryan Pell's property near Peterborough. Dr. Pell is now the president of COVA with a vineyard planted on the most promising portion of this winter study site. The study concluded that viticulture was just possible with the hardiest of vinifera vines. It is almost certain to work with the new varieties from Swenson and the University of Minnesota and from Quebec.

THREE: 9:45 - 10:45 ... Mike Traynor, the winemaker from Willow Springs in Stouffville, made a presentation about the new winery, and a tasting of two of the wines grown on the property, a rich and full Lucy Kuhlmann and a fruity and lively GM 318. See a tasting note for the GM 318

FOUR: 11:00 - 12:30 ... We had a tasting of a number of donated wines, as follows:
- Vandal Cliche from Domaine Royarnois in Saint-Joachim in Quebec
- Barrel-fermented Lacrosse from Northern Vineyards in Stillwater, Minnesota
- Frontenac from Northern Vineyards
- St. Croix from Northern Vineyards
- 1999 St. Croix from Vignoble LeRoyer St.-Pierre in Napierville, Quebec
Some tasting notes for LRSP wines are here.
- 2000 St. Croix from LeRoyer St.-Pierre
- Le Marechal from Vignoble des Pins in Sabrevoix, Quebec (Lucy Kuhlman and Cabernet Franc blend)

Each vine was discussed in advance by Alain Breault of A&M viticulture in Quebec with whom we are organizing a mass purchase/delivery opportunity of hardy vines in the spring of 2002. Varieties were discussed as to ripening and winter hardiness and disease resistance.

Each wine was professionally tasted by our own Mr. Johnstone. He commented on what he noticed, how the wine may be used, what might improve the wine, and pointed out shortfalls where he thought they existed. Hugh later told me that he was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the wines. Others contributed their thoughts as well.

We then asked Jim Lloyd, president of the Kawartha Krushers of the Amateur Winemakers of Ontario to suggest winemaking techniques to enhance the wines, and discussed options in the vineyard to make up any perceived shortfalls.

Menu: LUNCHEON 12:30 - 1:45 Included an educational matching of Landot Noir and Pinot Gris to the foods below. Note that both Pinot Gris and Landot Noir will ripen here with some winter protection.
Menu: Freshly Baked Rolls and Creamery Butter
Roast Butternut Squash Soup topped with Toasted Pine Nuts
Smoked, Roasted Breast of Ontario Chicken with Fig Compote
Croquette Potatoes
Grilled Harvest Vegetables
Fresh Fruit Pie with Ice Cream
Freshly Ground Coffee and Assorted Fine Teas

Our own Naoko Dugger was helping them serve us!

AFTERNOON SEMINARS
FIVE: 1:45 - 2:45 ... We had excellent presentations by OMAFRA representatives Ken Maltby of the Lindsay office and Margaret Appleby from Prince Edward County. Ken Maltby, OMAFRA, Lindsay and Marg Appleby, OMAFRA, Brighton discussed the potential for grapegrowing in the Kawarthas and the actuality of grapegrowing in Prince Edward County

SIX: 2:45 - 3:45 ... Winemaking Seminar: Stabilizing and sweetening your wine led by Jim Lloyd. This has been posted online.

SEVEN: 3:45 - 4:45 ... ) We finished the day with a long interactive discussion about where to go from here. We talked about where COVA should go, how to form partnerships with growers in other areas, how to get vines into the area that were suitable. We talked about zoning and municipal restrictions, how to become an agricultural association that would be recognized by the provincial and federal governments. We talked about Northern Wine Works, the new book coming out, and how to get it. We bugged Bert Dunn for information, Helga having dragged Bert down from the mountain for the day!

The conclusion of the day seemed to be to get some grapes in the ground and go from there!

COVA Home Wine Growers www.littlefatwino.com