EPISODE # 21 PROFESSOR TONY WOLF

Send us Fan MailTony Wolf by all measures has contributed a significant amount of research and experience that has advanced winegrowing in Virginia during the past 35 years.  He has been the Director of the Alson H. Smith, Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center for the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, (VA Tech) since 2004. He has published many articles that have been Peer Reviewed about Viticulture and is considered one of the leading authoritative voices in the field of Horticulture in the Eastern United States.  His Father was a scientist and instilled a passion and love for Horticulture in him at a  young age. He even had a small  vineyard of just 12 vines.  He currently splits his time between, extension and research, with his administrative and teaching responsibilities as a Professor.  Tony shared his views throughout the interview on past and present practices in Virginia winegrowing and his thoughts on what the future might hold. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INTERVIEW: a). Tony describes how he was influenced by his Father who was a scientist to pursue a career in horticulture.b). mentions having a small vineyard, only 12 vines.c). He recounts how when he was going to school at Cornell and the position at Virginia Tech opened up his professor advised him he should probably pursue the position and finish his schooling later. Which he did.d). I asked him why pursue a career in viticulture in Virginia and not on the west coast and he shares his reasons for wanting to stay on the East Coast having been raised just 20 miles from Winchester VA where he now works.e). He further goes into why he pursued viticulture over enology.f). Tony gives his insights into what the future for Virginia winegrowing may look like including a comment that he believed in 2050 we might be growing grape varietals that don't even exist today.There is so much good information both history and potential future for winegrowing in this Episode that it is a must listen for anyone who is curious about what winegrowing in Virginia and the East really entails.  Listen below and you can also download the text transcript attached.Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com