FALLON — As harvest time approaches, Western Nevada College’s Specialty Crop Institute is hosting a wine grape harvest workshop for those interested in expanding Nevada’s viticulture and wine industry. The workshop will meet Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will combine classroom discussion at WNC Fallon campus, 160 Campus Way, and an on-farm tour at Churchill Vineyards in Fallon. Harvesting grapes and finding solutions to the challenges of cold hardiness will be the main topic of study.

Jack Watson, a viticulture expert from the state of Washington, will be the featured speaker. Watson has been active in the growth of Washington's viticulture and winemaking industry and an area extension horticulturist for more than 20 years, and he is an expert on cold hardiness in grapes.

Participants will tour Churchill Vineyards and Winery where wine grapes will be at or near harvest. Instructors will discuss how growers can determine and maximize wine grape quality, and show students how to test for sugar content, an important component of premium wine grapes. Students will view the grape crushers and presses, along with an explanation of the winemaking process. Established in 2001, Churchill Vineyards is Churchill County’s first vineyard, harvesting 10 varieties of fine wine grapes.

Cost for the workshop is $30, which includes lunch. Register by Sept. 7 to receive a $5 discount. To register, contact Ginny Dugan, 423-5186, or visit www.wnc.edu/sci. For information regarding the Specialty Crop Institute and future workshops, contact project coordinator Ann Louhela at 351-2551.