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Wine, beer, cider and spirits

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Description:

OSU Extension shares research-based knowledge to support Oregon’s wine and beer industries from vineyard and hop yard to fermentation and quality control. We provide education, technical support and industry collaboration to help producers improve production and sustainability.

Starting a distilled spirit business

Craft distilling is a growing industry, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for registering a distilled spirit business and getting the proper permits.

Learn more about distilleries

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Winemaking resources

Winemaking basics: Can you trust your pH meter?

For winemakers, a pH meter is an indispensable tool. Accurate measurements of acidity are essential to winemaking and help prevent spoilage. But how do you know if a pH meter is accurate? Testing and regular maintenance.

James Osborne | Jan 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Where to test how wildfire smoke affects our wine?

I heard that OSU offers wine and grape testing for the effects of wildfire smoke. How do I get connected, and what is provided?

Cole Cerrato | Sep 2022 | Featured question

Winery Cost of Production Calculator

An online resource for current and prospective winery owners in WA, OR, and ID. This may be used to help calculate initial investment and annual operating costs of small wineries ranging from 500 to 10,000 cases of annual production.

Jul 2019 | Online resource

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Featured videos

Flavor and aroma guides this food and wine chemist

Michael Qian is a flavor and aroma chemist with the Oregon State University Food Science and Technology department. He's also a core faculty member with the Oregon Wine Research Institute. His job is to study aroma and flavor...

Michael Qian | May 2024 | Video

Research into the quality of wine starts at the micro-level

James Osborne is a microbiologist and researcher with the Oregon Wine Research Institute, based at Oregon State University. His work takes him into the universe of tiny living things — the microorganisms and chemicals that make such a big difference in the quality of wine.

James Osborne | May 2024 | Video

Research to explore the relationship between wine sensory characteristics

Learn the relationship between wine sensory characteristics—the aroma, flavor, taste, and mouthfeel—and the chemical components that produce them.

Elizabeth Tomasino | May 2024 | Video

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Hard cider production and orchard management in the Pacific Northwest

Making hard cider for both commercial and private enjoyment is the target of renewed interest in areas that are well suited to growing apples.

This manual provides basic information on the many considerations that go into the reliable production of high quality cider for market, including choosing among cider apple categories, fermentation procedures, pest management, storage, and more.

Learn more about cideries

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Latest resources

Mothballing Vineyards

Resources to consider when minimally farming vineyards.

Patricia A. Skinkis | Oct 2025 | Collection

Wine grape tissue nutrient guidelines for Oregon

Use this guide to interpret tissue nutrient lab results to determine vine nutrient sufficiency, deficiency or excess.

Paul Schreiner | Oct 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Grape variety identification

Identifying the grape cultivar or variety can be complicated. Learn the resources and services that may be used to identify grape varieties for commercial or home/hobby vineyards and landscapes.

Patricia A. Skinkis | Jul 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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Latest news

OSU’s James Osborne wins ASEV Extension award

Recognition highlights research-based support for Oregon winemakers.

Chris Branam | Apr 30, 2026 | News story

Oregon’s wine industry benefits from OSU research and outreach

By addressing emerging threats and improving production methods, OSU helps the state’s wine industry remain competitive, sustainable and resilient.

Patricia A. Skinkis, James Osborne, Alec Levin | Jun 2025 | Impact story

Rising Fusarium canker raises concerns for Oregon hop growers

OSU plant pathologist tracks increasing Fusarium threats to hops.

Henry Carnell | Jun 13, 2024 | News story

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Meet Our Experts

James Osborne
Enologist

Contact for questions related to commercial wine production

Thomas Shellhammer
Tom Shellhammer
Nor'Wester Professor of Fermentation Science
Dr. Patty Skinkis standing in OSU's research vineyard
Patricia A. Skinkis
Viticulture Extension Specialist

Contact for commercial wine grape production questions in Oregon (statewide).

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Have a question? Ask Extension!

Ask Extension is a way for you to get answers from the Oregon State University Extension Service. We have experts in family and health, community development, food and agriculture, coastal issues, forestry, programs for young people, and gardening.

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Where can I buy grapes to make wine?

Q: I live in the Willamette Valley in Oregon and looking forward to making wine this season. Is there a place that lists where I can buy small amounts of wine grapes?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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