The North Dakota Grape Growers Association will hold its annual meeting at the Best Western Doublewood Inn in Bismarck at 1400 East Interchange Ave. on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011.

Harlene Hatterman-Valenti, North Dakota State University high-value crops specialist, and John Stenger, NDSU graduate student, will update the group on grape breeding efforts at NDSU. Hatterman-Valenti also will discuss the collection of native V. riparia vines for the NDSU repository.

An update will be given on legislative funding efforts.

Tami Bredeson of Carlos Creek Winery will talk about marketing for wineries and vineyards. Some of the presentations in the morning will be split into grape growing and winery sections. Updates from the Grape and Wine Program Committee and the Grape Breeding Program will be presented in the afternoon.

A silent auction will be held during the meeting. The proceeds will be used as matching dollars to fund grape research in North Dakota.

There will be wine tasting prior to the banquet, so attendees are invited to bring samples of their homemade wine to share.

Early registration for this year’s meeting is $40 for members and $50 for nonmembers. After Feb.1, the fee goes up by $10 per person. Meals and refreshments are included in the registration.

NDSU Agriculture Communication