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Study of vineyards gets some attention A comprehensive study of vineyard sites in the Rogue and Applegate valleys is gaining statewide and national attention. The study was recently published by Gregory V. Jones, a Southern Oregon University associate professor of geography and a climatologist specializing in grapevine climate interaction. His report, "Site Characteristics of Vineyards in the Rogue and Applegate Valley American Viticultural Areas," impressed officials of the Oregon Winegrowers Association. In an announcement Monday, OWA President Laura Lotspeich said, "The comprehensive data assembled in this publication is a first for Oregon and the U.S. It is incredibly accurate, detailed and useful for anyone considering vineyard site selection." Jones studied in detail the interplay of soil, topography and climate as they affect the growing of various varieties of wine grapes. The intent is to provide knowledge from which "existing and future grape growers can better understand the overall nature of grape growing in the area and make more informed decisions" on new sites and altering old ones, says Jones. It can help take some of the trial and error out of making decisions about what to plant and where. Lotspeich adds, "The data from this research puts the Rogue region on a much better footing in competition with other regions." Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.