I agree completely, and this was exactly my advice to the original poster.

> From: "William Frazier" >
> Organization: AT&T Worldnet
> Newsgroups: rec.crafts.winemaking
> Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 02:59:51 GMT
> Subject: google group for grape growing
>
> Dear Figaro - Master Gardener programs are a wonderful asset for any
> community. But, unless one of the Master Gardeners at your nursery actually
> grows grapes and combats the various problems you have mentioned they are
> just quoting from a grape growing text. I know this first hand. My wife is
> a Johnson County, KS Master Gardener. Being part of the greater Kansas City
> area this organization is very large and has lots of expertise. But, also
> because we are in Kansas there is little knowledge about grape growing in
> the organization. My advice is to locate a commercial vineyard near your
> home. Go there and meet the growers. Make friends. Listen to how they
> deal with the problems you face. People who actually grow grapes for a
> living can be great mentors...I should know. One of the members of our KC
> Cellarmaster Club owns a vineyard and makes estate wines sold at his
> vineyard. He knows things that are only known by one who has done it for
> years and has made all the mistakes. Good luck.
>
> Bill Frazier
> Olathe, Kansas USA
>
> "figaro" > wrote in message
> ...
>> Thanks for the clarification.
>>
>> My experience with my favorite VERY reputable nursery was different from
>> yours. My nursery is run by master gardeners and is highly respected in
>> San
>> Diego
>
>