UNR vineyard being replanted; volunteers needed

The University of Nevada, Reno is looking for volunteers to help replant a vineyard that is part of more than 20 years of wine grape research at the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station.

UNR’s Desert Farming Initiative doing the vineyard planting May 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Valley Road Field Lab at 920 Valley Road in Reno.

People who take part will learn the first steps in developing a vineyard.

“There is a lot of interest in growing wine grapes in northern Nevada,” Desert Farming Initiative Program Manager Charles Schembre said in a statement. “A handful of small-scale commercial growers want to expand their businesses and want the university’s help with research.”

The grapes being planted include merlot and cabernet franc. The grapes were picked based on Experiment Station research as well as other research in high-altitude locations like Argentina.

UNR provides snacks and water. Volunteers should bring water bottles and garden gloves.