Grape management course blends instruction and hands-on learning for producers

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Media Contact: Dean Ruhl | Communications and Media Relations Specialist | 405-744-9152 | dean.ruhl@okstate.edu

As Oklahomans continue to explore the grape-growing landscape, Oklahoma State University’s Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture will help spread knowledge with its 2026 Grape Management course.

The course, starting March 5 with monthly classes held through September, is open to the public and geared toward growers of all experience levels.

Classes will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Cimarron Valley Research Station, 10820 S. Jardot, in Perkins. Registration is $250 per person and closes on March 2. The course is limited to 25 registrants.

“Wine is grown,” said Aaron Essary, OSU Extension specialist for viticulture and enology. “To be an Oklahoma wine producer, you must grow the grapes in Oklahoma. That’s true for any state. So, we want to help producers understand all the steps to growing grapes in this state.”

The course, split into seven classes, covers the different aspects of the grape-growing season, culminating in harvest in September. Topics include pruning, weed and disease management, irrigation, veraison, harvest and much more.

The classes will be split between lectures and hands-on learning, allowing participants to experience the vineyard. Specialists from OSU Extension will lead discussions and share research-based information with attendees.

For additional information, contact Essary at 405-744-7472 or email aaron.essary@okstate.edu.