Why Vermont?
Vitinord conferences have been conducted over the last 14 years, promoting the advancement of viticulture and oenology in northern environments characterized by cool or short summers and/or cold winters. Various countries have hosted Vitinord conferences, including Riga, Latvia (2006); St. Hyacynthe, Quebec (2009); Neubrandenburg, Germany/Szczecin, Poland (2012); Nebraska City, Nebraska, USA (2015) and Malmo, Sweden/Copenhagen, Denmark (2018). Burlington, Vermont, USA is slated to host the next Vitinord conference in 2022.
Something here about the wine and grape growing industry in Vermont, along with various entities, such as the University of Vermont, Cornell, etc., which network to keep crops viable and central – A tie-in to Vitinord participants and vendors, as well.
Burlington, Vermont was founded in 1763, taking its name from the Burling family. It was originally founded as a sawmill and shipbuilding outpost, as well as a military site during the War of 1812. Nestled along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, the waterfront showcases spectacular views of the Adirondack mountain range in neighboring New York. A college town, Burlington is home to the University of Vermont and Champlain College. Currently, Burlington supports a strong services industry, including tourism. Manufacturing comprises aircraft armaments, concrete products, food service equipment, snowboards, plastic monofilaments, and maple syrup.[1]
Vermont, considered a predominantly rural state, is known for its rolling green hills and pasture land. It is primarily forested and home to more than 100 19th-century covered wooden bridges. The state boasts many hiking and ski trails, enhancing its outdoor opportunities. For nearly two decades, Vermont has ranked among the five healthiest states.
Steeped in agriculture, Vermont is the largest hay growing state in New England. Dairy accounts for more than 70% of Vermont’s agriculture industry. Should we say more here about other important agricultural crops?
An important and expanding part of Vermont’s economy is the manufacture and sale of artisan foods, fancy foods, and novelty items trading in part upon the Vermont “brand,” which the state manages and defends. Examples of these specialty exports include Cabot Cheese, the Vermont Teddy Bear Company, Fine Paints of Europe, Vermont Butter and Cheese Company, several microbreweries, ginseng growers, Burton Snowboards, King Arthur Flour, and Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream.
The wine industry in Vermont started in 1985. As of 2007, there were 14 wineries.[2]
According to Vermont Ski and Ride, there are now about 20 registered vineyards in the state. They proposed that maybe Vermont would eventually earn a reputation for cold weather wines, much like the Finger Lakes Region in New York. Regardless, the wine and grape growing industry in Vermont is clearly on the rise.
[1]Encyclopaedia Britannica
[2]Wikipedia