The purpose of this grant is to provide funding to Appalachian State University for its Enology Services Laboratory (ESL). The ESL provides chemical analysis and related analytical quality recommendations on a fee for service basis for the wine and grape industry in an effort to improve the quality and sales of North Carolina grapes and wine. The ESL also works with the growing North Carolina beer industry. The ESL has collected and disseminated data from over 7,000 analyses since July 2010 directly related to quality control. The project integrates the collection of wine and grape data with targeted educational programs, outreach, and industry collaborations. It is also working on developing a voluntary quality assurance program for North Carolina wines. Golden LEAF funds will be used for personnel, travel, and supplies.
