KELSEYVILLE – “Growing a Signature Style of Sauvignon Blanc: The Roles of New Clonal Selections and Viticultural Practices,” an informative workshop and tasting event, is planned for Tuesday, Dec. 8.

The workshop is sponsored by the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Fetzer Vineyards, and the Lake County Winegrape Commission.

The program, slated for 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Riviera Hills Restaurant, 10200 Fairway Drive, Kelseyville, will feature a premiere tasting of new clone wines from the only Sauvignon Blanc trial in the United States, according to sponsors of the workshop.

Participants will have an opportunity to taste wine samples made from the trial’s Sauvignon Blanc clones. Nick Dokoozlian’s Research Winery, Gallo Modesto, is credited with producing the samples, according to the workshop agenda.

Testing and trellising trials were conducted on Sauvignon Blanc clones at Fetzer Vineyards, Hopland, for a period of two years. During the workshop, Glenn McGourty, UC Farm Advisor for Lake and Mendocino counties, will review the development and history of the trials and discuss results of the tests.

“We have 12 clones from the trial. They were planted in 2004, and we started taking data in 2008. Now we are enjoying wine made by a research winery that Gallo controls,” said McGourty, who added that being able to taste wine made from a specific clone is rare because wines are usually blended combinations of grapes.

At the workshop, McGourty will present data derived from the trials over the past two years. He will also share data gathered on trellising of the clones. “How you trellis determines how a vineyard performs,” he stated. Additionally, McGourty will have data that may assist growers interested in graphing their vineyards to produce the clones.

Being able to use the clones may give winemakers and growers opportunities they do not currently have, said McGourty. Nearly all Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown now are from the same clone. “There’s not a lot of genetic diversity,” said McGourty. Clones that have been developed are not being used by growers, he added.

“We would like to know if we are missing an opportunity … can we make a better wine?” McGourty said. The varieties can have benefits that may appeal to winemakers and grape growers. One clone may have large clusters; another may have smaller, loose clusters; or, another specific clone may be known for its flavorful fragrance properties, McGourty explained. The winemaker or grower may choose one clone over another because of “outstanding properties” they desire.

Nancy Sweet, UC Plant Foundation Services representative, will join McGourty at the workshop to provide information about the dozen different clones used in the trial.

The workshop will include a winemaker panel discussion entitled “What is the Sauvignon Blanc Style of Lake County?” and conclude with wine tasting. Winemakers participating in the panel discussion will include Mark Burch, Wildhurst Winery; Greg Graham, Gregory Graham Wines; and Jeff Chichocki, Fetzer Vineyards.

Information about winegrape research and educational workshops sponsored by the Lake County Winegrape Commission may be found on the Commission’s Web site, www.lakecountywinegrape.org . For more information about the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, visit the UC Web site at http://ucanr.org .