BUSINESS MEMO: NEW GRAPE/WINE COUNCIL

The new Illinois Grape and Wine Resources Council will focus on boosting grape production, helping winery owners and developing the public's taste for local wines.

The new group, which met for the first time at Southern Illinois University's Carbondale campus, which is home for the new council, voted to spend the bulk of its $200,000 budge on hiring specialists in viticulture (grape growing), oenology (wine making) and marketing.

John W. McFarland, president of the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, and owner of Spring Pond Vineyards and Winery in Benton, is president of the new group.

James M. McGuire, dean of SIU-C College of Agriculture, is council chair.

A recent impact study prepared by SIU's Office of Economic and Regional Development, indicates a good potential growth for the Illinois wine industry, said McGuire.

Illinois could produce three times as much wine in 10 years than it does now, translating into $60 million in annual sales, creating 1,300 jobs.

The studies reveal that of 24 million gallons of wine Illinoisans drink each year, only 100,000 come from state wineries.