The Appalachian Center and European Connection

The growing conditions up and down the Appalachian Mountain chain are very similar to the growing conditions found in the mountain winegrowing regions of Europe. And it is in Europe where most of the research on mountain winegrowing has been carried out to date. The Appalachian Center for Mountain Winegrowing has been working with its European partners to gather the technical information needed to help establish a viable and healthy mountain and steep slope wine industry on this side of the Atlantic. The Appalachian Center for Mountain Winegrowing was the first American member of CERVIM, the Center for Research, Environmental Sustainability and Advancement of Mountain Viticulture, headquartered in Aosta, Italy. With more than 500 members worldwide, CERVIM supports research projects that promote effective and sustainable mountain vineyard and winery practices around the world. It is through the Center’s close relationship with CERVIM that it has been able to tap into technical information that until now has not been readily available in the U.S.