News Release

(JEFFERSON CITY, MO) – Wine industry professionals from throughout the Midwest will join Feb. 7-9 in Osage Beach, MO for the 2009 Midwest Grape and Wine Conference. The 24^th annual gathering of wine professionals, grape growers and Missouri wine fans features informational seminars on viticulture, enology and marketing, an expanded trade show and a sumptuous Grand Banquet finale.

“The Midwest Grape and Wine Conference has become the premier educational and networking conference in Mid-America,” said Tim Puchta, chairman of the Missouri Wine and Grape Board. “This conference typically draws nearly 400-500 attendees and offers numerous opportunities to expand ones knowledge base and form relationships that are vital to a healthy grape and wine industry”.

This year’s conference held at Tan-Tar-A Resort, promises to wet your educational appetite with presentations from industry experts from Australia, California, Oregon, Texas, Washington, New York and Missouri. Concurrent sessions in the areas of viticulture, enology and marketing are focused on the sustainability of vineyard and winery practices. The sessions will highlight how businesses can operate as efficiently and economically as possible - especially in these trying economic times.

This year’s trade show will feature exhibitors from across the U.S. specializing in all areas of the wine industry. The trade show will be at new location – adjacent to the primary lecture hall on the main floor – allowing easy access to all venues of the conference. The trade show hours will be Sat. Feb. 7^th from 8 a.m.   5 p.m. and Sun. Feb. 8^th from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The very popular Grand Banquet promises again to be a highlight, with a seven-course gourmet meal of Midwestern cuisine, meticulously paired with some of Missouri’s finest wines chosen to accentuate all the flavors of both the food and the wine.

Registration information and forms are available online at www.midwestgrapeandwineconference.com or by calling Rozanna Benz at (573) 486-5596.