Viticulture

OSU Viticulture Program

The Viticulture Program is a relatively new and developing formal program at SOREC.  The priority mission of the program is to continually identify and respond to the technical and educational support needs of winegrape growers in Jackson, Josephine, and Douglas Counties.  The Program aims to achieve this objective by developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with individual vineyard operators and the Rogue Valley Winegrowers Association.  Commercial and backyard growers can contact the Viticulture Advisor with any inquiry concerning vineyard establishment and management.  The Program facilitates the transfer of information and technology resulting from the existing knowledge base and formal research conducted by OSU scientists in all portions of the state.  Educational outreach is achieved through class programs and one-on-one consultations.  As the program develops there will be opportunities to secure funding for demonstration and educational projects aimed to provide specific and broad support for the increasing number and diversity of grape growers in Southern Oregon.

Dr. Gabriel Balint is currently your part-time Area Extension Advisor serving Jackson, Josephine, and Douglas County. A native of Romania, Gabriel recently completed his doctorate at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. His thesis, under the direction of Dr. Andy Reynolds, was entitled “Impact of different irrigation strategies on grapes and wine quality in a cool region. Understanding relationship among water status, stress hormones and wine quality.”  Previously, he received a Master’s degree from the University of London, England, where his thesis was entitled “Study of pesticide residues on table grapes and wines from South East England-Kent.” His Bachelor of Science degree is from the University of Agronomy, Iasi, Romania.

Dr. Gabriel Balint is house in Jackson County office.  To contact him you can email or phone him at the number below.

Gabriel Balint, Viticulture, Experiment Station (541) 772-5165, ext 223

Southern Oregon Research & Extension Center  569 Hanley Road, Central Point, OR 97502