Grape and Wine Industry Advisory Council

The Grape and Wine Industry Advisory Council is a statutory body (K.S.A. 74-551-74-553) that was established during the 1988 legislative session. The council is a nine-member body that is appointed by the Kansas Secretary of Agriculture. Council members are appointed to two-year terms and can be reappointed. Membership on the council shall include representatives from Kansas State University, commercial grape growing industry, licensed farm winery industry, wine distributors industry, retail liquor store industry, tourism industry and one member representing the public having experience in marketing.

In 2004, Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky named members to the Grape and Wine Industry Advisory Council, and the council has been holding meetings ever since. The council is charged with the following duties, authorities and powers:

  • Advise the Kansas department of agriculture and other state agencies on the grape and wine industry initiatives, problems and needs.
  • Determine and recommend specific research programs and priorities at Kansas State University.
  •  Facilitate improved communication and interaction among grape and wine producers, wine and liquor wholesalers and retailers, governmental agencies, both federal and state, and state tourism interests.
  • Determine and recommend specific marketing program priorities to assist in promoting and marketing the state's grape and wine industry.
  • Develop and recommend a long-term plan for financing continued programs for promotion, marketing, research and extension in support of the Kansas grape and wine industry.
  • Report to the Kansas department of agriculture and the standing committees on agriculture of the senate and house of representatives on the status of the Kansas grape and wine industry.

Grape and Wine Industry Advisory Council Members

Dennis Reynolds, Chair
Somerset Ridge Vineyard & Winery
dreynolds@somerset.com
Term Expires: June 30, 2011 

Norm Jennings, Vice Chair
Smoky Hill Vineyard & Winery
norm@kansaswine.com
Term Expires: June 30, 2010

James Pat Murphy
Kansas State University
jmurphy@ksu.edu
Term Expires: June 30, 2010

Patricia Drake
Topeka Club Liquor
topekaclubliquor@tcl.kscoxmail.com
Term Expires: June 30, 2010

R.E. "Tuck" Duncan
Kansas Wine and Spirits Wholesalers
tuckduncan@aol.com
Term Expires: June 30, 2011

Susie Pryor, Ph.D.
Washburn University
susie.pryor@washburn.edu
Term Expires: June 30, 2010

Dr. John Brewer
Wyldewood Cellars
Term Expires:  June 30, 2011

Jo Ann Kuhlmann
Eagle Creek Vineyards
Term Expires:  June 30, 2011